Factory Panelform

E! 2535TFACTORY PANELFORM

Revolutionising panel production New thermoplastic sandwich section panels that are recyclable, lighter than wood and have a market worth an estimated 20 million Euro a year.

Following on from the success of EUREKA project E! 2534 THERMOPOLE, which developed thermoplastic lampposts that save lives by bending on impact, EUREKA project E! 2535 FACTORY PANELFORM has adapted the thermoplastic technology to produce sandwich section panels for a market worth over 20 million Euro a year.

in a single panel). The four panels can be welded together and the whole caravan constructed in minutes, thereby significantly increasing the production capacity for UK project partner Avondale. The panels can be treated with a new fire-resistant polymer, and can also be fully recycled. Other potential applications include modular flooring for marquees, truck bodies, water barrier systems and scaffolding.

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Using thermoplastic panels also has environmental The recyclable panels can be produced in three-metre benefits. "The project enables companies to use wide sections at a rate of four metres per minute, in a solvent-free environmentally friendly materials and the light variety of colours and finishes. The new weight of the structures means transport material is stronger and more durable than companies save on fuel. The number of back "Although we are at the forefront of materials ideas, it is EUREKA that wood, which currently dominates the target injuries previously sustained during handling allows the ideas to become reality markets. Another advantage is that the panels will also be reduced," explains Boyce. through co operation. EUREKA can be fused together forming strong edges partnerships provide the skills we The project partners describe the potential lack and speed up the that do not come apart even in damp market as colossal, but with challenges development process." conditions, thus solving a structural problem ahead. "With THERMOPOLE we had to drive that has plagued plywood panels. Gerald Boyce the market to accept plastic instead of metal; Euro Projects (LTTC) "Our German partners have created a new the same is true with PANELFORM where we UK material that is a quarter of the weight of have to prove the value of composites over wood at the price of marine plywood," says Gerard Boyce, director of the UK lead partner, Euro-Projects (LTTC) Ltd (EPL). "It is lighter to handle and because it's thermoplastic, we have been able to successfully form the panel into a wide range of applications." Facilitating production The new technology will have a dramatic impact on current production methods. For example, it can be used to build a new thermoplastic caravan in four panels (a structural floor, two side panels and the top, front and back

Participating countries United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany Budget: 5.15MEURO

EUREKA

wood and plywood," says Boyce. EPL estimated that within 5 years over 500,000m2 of thermoplastic composite panels per year will be being produced annually. "Although we are at the forefront of materials ideas, it is EUREKA that allows the ideas to become reality through co operation. EUREKA partnerships provide the skills we lack and speed up the development process," says Boyce.

Contact Euro Projects (Lttc) Ltd. Fowke Street, 1-3 Le7 7pjTRothley, United Kingdom Mr. Gerard S. Boyce Tel +44 116 237 6693;TFax +44 116 230 0989;T [email protected]

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