Member Article

Panel Systems reports increasing demand for weight saving panel

Panel Systems, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of bespoke sandwich panels and lightweight cores, has seen an increase in demand from the commercial vehicle market for Thermhex, the innovative polypropylene honeycomb core material, for applications where weight is an issue.

Thermhex is over 80% lighter than a like-for-like thickness of plywood, yet is extremely strong and rigid, all properties that make it appealing to the leisure and commercial vehicle industry.

A spokesperson for Panel Systems, said: “Thermhex provides the perfect solution for companies that are looking to lower their fuel consumption and in turn their carbon footprint, due to its lightweight structure. The innovative material can therefore help in cutting emissions, making vehicles more economical to run and better for the environment.”

Manufactured in Germany in an innovative, patented process which ensures rigidity in terms of its mechanical strength, as well as stability, Thermhex is resistant to chemicals and moisture. In addition as part of ensuring ethical and sustainable sourcing of materials, it is also 100% recyclable.

As testament to the rising demand, Panel Systems has recently supplied Thermhex for a fleet of new trucks that will be used as home delivery vehicles for a leading online retailer. The material will be used to form the bodywork to ensure maximum payload capabilities. Already well established as a material of choice across mainland Europe, Thermhex is suitable for a range of applications including automotive, truck bodies, the marine industry, OEM, industrial equipment and leisure vehicles.

The material can be purchased in a standard sheet of 2500mm x 1200mm, or Panel Systems can supply bespoke sizes up to a maximum of 7000mm x 1200mm. Thermhex is supplied in thicknesses ranging from 3.5mm to 30mm and is also available in different core densities to suit specific applications.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Marina Wood .