Introduction
Sandwich panels are prefabricated building elements designed to provide thermal insulation, fire resistance, and structural integrity in industrial and commercial construction. They consist of a core insulation material between two durable outer metal sheets, typically galvanized steel or aluminum. Their versatility and energy efficiency make them a key component in modern construction across Europe.
These panels are used extensively in:
- Warehouses
- Cold storage facilities
- Cleanrooms
- Office buildings
- Residential prefab modules
Their compliance with European standards ensures long-term reliability, sustainability, and regulatory acceptance for international trade.
Types of Sandwich Panels
Each sandwich panel type offers specific advantages depending on the core material used. Below is a comparative overview of the major types:
Table: Common Sandwich Panel Types and Their Characteristics
| Type of Panel | Core Material | Key Properties | Fire Resistance | Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Wool Panel | Mineral wool | Non-combustible, soundproof, high fire rating | Excellent (A1) | 0.033–0.045 | Fire-prone buildings, factories |
| Polyurethane (PUR) | Rigid PUR foam | Lightweight, very low thermal conductivity | Poor (B2–B3) | 0.022–0.028 | Warehouses, cold rooms |
| Polyisocyanurate (PIR) | Enhanced PUR | Improved fire resistance vs. PUR, low U-value | Good (B-s2,d0) | 0.020–0.026 | Commercial buildings, energy-efficient sites |
| Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) | Polystyrene foam | Cost-effective, decent insulation | Fair (E) | 0.030–0.040 | Budget builds, interior partitions |
| Phenolic Foam Panel | Phenolic resin | High fire resistance, low smoke emission | Excellent (B-s1,d0) | 0.018–0.022 | Pharmaceutical, food processing zones |
Compliance with European Standards
Sandwich panels used in Europe are governed by several harmonized standards and directives to ensure quality, safety, and environmental compatibility:
| Standard Code | Title / Scope | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| EN 14509 | Self-supporting double skin metal faced insulating panels | All core materials and applications |
| EN 13501-1 | Fire classification of construction products | Fire safety rating |
| REACH / RoHS | Chemical safety and environmental compliance | Core foams and coatings |
| ISO 9001 | Quality management systems | Manufacturing |
| CE Marking | European market access requirement | Mandatory for export |
These standards not only ensure safety but also support international trade by allowing free circulation of products within the European Economic Area (EEA).
Applications of Sandwich Panels
Thanks to their modularity, sandwich panels are suitable for a wide range of sectors:
- Industrial and commercial buildings: Durable and fast-to-install wall and roof cladding
- Agricultural buildings: Resistance to humidity and pests
- Cold storage and cleanrooms: Superior insulation and hygiene compliance
- Prefabricated structures: Lightweight panels improve transportability and assembly
- Public facilities: Fire-rated panels used in schools, hospitals, and auditoriums
Benefits of Using Sandwich Panels
- Fast and easy installation
- Cost savings on labor and energy
- Enhanced fire protection with mineral-based cores
- High thermal insulation performance
- Excellent soundproofing with rock wool cores
- Long service life with corrosion-resistant coatings
- Supports green building certifications like LEED and BREEAM
Suggested Visual
Image: Cross-section comparison of core materials in sandwich panels
Alt text: Diagram showing different core materials (rock wool, PUR, PIR, EPS) and their internal structure
Technical Readiness and Export Value
ATABAŞ GRUP ensures that all sandwich panels comply with relevant EU directives and are manufactured under ISO-certified processes. Our products undergo rigorous fire, thermal, and mechanical testing. Export-ready panels carry CE certification and are packed for international shipment, ensuring product safety and integrity upon arrival.
Types of Sandwich Panels and Their Characteristics
Each type of sandwich panel offers distinct advantages, depending on the core material used. The following section outlines these types in detail.
Rock Wool Panel
- Core Material: Mineral Wool
- Key Features: Delivers excellent fire resistance, superior sound insulation, and mechanical durability
- Fire Classification: A1 (non-combustible)
- Thermal Conductivity: 0.033 – 0.045 W/m·K
- Applications: Ideal for industrial buildings, high-risk fire zones, and energy plants
Polyurethane (PUR) Panel
- Core Material: Rigid Polyurethane Foam
- Key Features: Offers very low thermal conductivity while maintaining lightweight properties
- Fire Classification: B2–B3
- Thermal Conductivity: 0.022 – 0.028 W/m·K
- Applications: Perfect for warehouses, logistics centers, and refrigeration rooms
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Panel
- Core Material: Enhanced Polyurethane
- Key Features: Exhibits better fire performance than standard PUR and maintains dimensional stability
- Fire Classification: B-s2,d0
- Thermal Conductivity: 0.020 – 0.026 W/m·K
- Applications: Suitable for commercial and institutional buildings focused on sustainability
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Panel
- Core Material: EPS Foam
- Key Features: Provides cost-effective insulation, although fire performance is moderate
- Fire Classification: E
- Thermal Conductivity: 0.030 – 0.040 W/m·K
- Applications: Fits well in partition walls, low-budget housing, and temporary structures
Phenolic Foam Panel
- Core Material: Phenolic Resin
- Key Features: Combines superior fire resistance with low smoke emissions
- Fire Classification: B-s1,d0
- Thermal Conductivity: 0.018 – 0.022 W/m·K
- Applications: Ideal for cleanrooms, pharmaceutical environments, and food-processing zones
European Standards Applicable to Sandwich Panels
In order to ensure safety and international market access, sandwich panels must comply with several strict regulations. The most critical standards are listed below:
EN 14509
- Description: Defines requirements for self-supporting double skin metal-faced insulating panels
- Application: Covers structural integrity, thermal performance, and mechanical behavior
EN 13501-1
- Description: Fire classification standard for construction materials
- Application: Assesses combustibility and smoke development levels
ISO 9001
- Description: Global standard for quality management
- Application: Ensures consistent product quality and customer satisfaction
CE Marking
- Description: Mandatory marking for products in the European Economic Area
- Application: Verifies compliance with relevant EU directives and product safety
REACH / RoHS
- Description: Environmental directives regarding chemical safety and material usage
- Application: Regulates the use of adhesives, foams, and coatings
Key Applications of Sandwich Panels
Due to their modular structure and performance features, sandwich panels are used across various sectors. Here are the most common applications:
- Industrial Projects: Wall and roof systems in manufacturing plants
- Agricultural Facilities: Buildings that require humidity and pest resistance
- Cold Chain Logistics: Temperature-controlled storage units and distribution hubs
- Prefabricated Buildings: Quick-assembly modules for offices, schools, and homes
- Public Infrastructure: Fire-rated panels in schools, clinics, and sports halls
Advantages of Using Sandwich Panels
Not only do sandwich panels save time during installation, but they also reduce long-term operational costs. Their benefits include:
- Efficient thermal insulation leading to energy savings
- Lightweight structure enabling faster construction
- Excellent fire resistance, especially with mineral wool or phenolic cores
- Cost-efficiency over traditional multilayer wall systems
- Recyclable and eco-friendly options
- Compatibility with green building standards like LEED and BREEAM
- Simplified international shipping due to CE certification