Panel Systems, a leading manufacturer of architectural, decorative and composite panels, based in Sheffield, has introduced a new range of lightweight structural sandwich panels.
Having increased in popularity with manufacturers and contractors looking to reduce the weight of their products over recent years, and building on the success of the company’s existing range of thermal insulating panels, Panel Systems has introduced a composite sandwich panel with a ThermHex core.
ThermHex is a revolutionary polypropylene honeycomb that is strong and lightweight. The material’s optimised cell size and the specific structure of the honeycomb core offers exceptional surface quality and provides optimal performance in composite sandwich structures, even with very thin skin material layers.
The panels can be specified with a variety of facings, including: powder coated aluminium (0.5mm – 4.0mm), anodised aluminium (0.5mm – 3.0mm), GRP (glass reinforced plastic) including anti-slip options, painted or coated steel, high pressure laminate such as Formica or Trespa and MDF.
A spokesperson at Panel Systems, said: “We are seeing a larger number of enquiries for lightweight sandwich panels, particularly from building product, vehicle and caravan manufacturers looking for a structural material that is strong but lightweight. As such we have extended our range to meet varying demands and ensure that we are catering for our customer’s requirements.”
Panel Systems’ ThermHex-based panels have incredible strength, yet are up to 2½ times lighter when compared with plywood core panels faced with 2mm GRP. ThermHex is resistant to chemicals and moisture and therefore offers durability and longevity. The material is 100% recyclable to ensure ethical and sustainable sourcing of materials.
Alongside ThermHex, Panel Systems’ is also offering sandwich panels with a Styrofoam XPS, Aluminium Honeycomb or Banova Plywood core. All of which are suitable for use on a variety of applications including van conversions and linings, flooring, automotive and truck bodies, furniture, structural decks and architectural developments.
Styrofoam XPS is a closed-cell high performance lightweight product that resists absorption of liquids and adhesives, which helps maintain panel integrity and has excellent insulating properties in low temperature and high humidity and moisture conditions.
Aluminium honeycomb panels are also available for more specialist applications such as marine, railway, façade and industrial applications. The panels are normally specified where flatness, strength and improved fire resistance are key factors.
Over the past 40-plus years, Panel Systems has built a reputation for offering innovative, bespoke panel solutions for a diverse range of markets ranging from leisure and playground equipment to caravans, truck bodies, the window industry and construction.
Panel Systems offers a bespoke structural bonding and fabrication service, with the expertise to work with a wide range of facing materials, such as metals, plastics, timber and decorative laminate. The company has 3 and 5 Axis CNC routers with a bed size of 3600mm x 1500mm allowing for the production of flexible designs and panel shapes.
