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Sandwich Panels / Selection

Specifying XPS sandwich panels: core, facings & use

Turn “20 mm XPS sandwich panel” into a clear face-A/core/face-B specification. Compare complete panels with bare cores and convert piece prices to area prices.

Specifying XPS sandwich panels: core, facings & use
AI-generated illustration: Sandwich-panel core and facing options in a partition-planning setting. Available combinations must be confirmed for the project.

“XPS sandwich panel” describes a family of constructions. Two panels with the same overall thickness may have different facings, core grades, bonding arrangements and edge details. Specify the complete construction before comparing price or assuming a panel is suitable for a particular building element.

What does “20 mm sandwich panel” leave undecided?

It does not say whether 20 mm is the core thickness or the finished panel thickness. It also leaves both skins undefined. Use a section that identifies face A, bond line, XPS core, bond line and face B. Bonding layers occupy thickness too; two facing thicknesses cannot simply be ignored to make a panel fit its frame.

Example enquiry fieldWhat a complete line would identify
Finished thickness20 mm overall, with the required tolerance stated on the drawing
Face ANamed PVC skin, specified thickness, colour and finish
Face BNamed skin and thickness; explicitly state if different from face A
CoreSelected XPS grade and a core thickness compatible with the complete construction
Supply conditionBonded finished panel or bare core; cut size, edges, openings and protective film

This is an example specification format, not confirmation that a particular 20 mm construction is available. The supplier’s section and quotation should resolve the layer dimensions rather than assuming the same core can produce every finished thickness.

Separate a cheaper core quote from a cheaper finished-panel quote

For an illustrative 1.2 × 2.4 m panel, one piece equals 2.88 m². Divide a quoted piece price by 2.88 to obtain a comparable area price, then compare identical facings, thicknesses, machining and packing. A bare-core offer excludes the skins and lamination; a full-sheet offer can exclude cutting and edge finishing. Neither is necessarily a lower-priced equivalent of the required finished part.

Choose the PVC-faced panel, FRP-faced panel or aluminium-skin panel route first. Use the weight calculation to compare handling requirements separately from price.

Write the panel from one face to the other

Name the material, thickness and finish of face A; identify the XPS core and its thickness; then define face B separately. Note any protective film and fabrication requirements. Banarta lists several facing options, including HPL, PVC, FRP, ACP, SPC, plywood and aluminium sheet. Listing an option does not establish its suitability for every environment.

Review the PVC-faced XPS panel for wall and door enquiries and the FRP-faced XPS sandwich panel when defining the facing. For a metal skin, review the aluminum-sheet-faced XPS sandwich panel; identify the sheet on each face rather than substituting a foil-faced insulation board. Specify skin thickness, finish, edges and service conditions for the chosen construction.

Part of the specificationQuestions for the project
Face A and face BWhich side is exposed? What finish, cleaning and moisture conditions apply?
CoreWhat thickness and grade does the design require?
Finished panelWhat overall thickness, flatness, tolerances and evidence are needed?
ConnectionsWhat supports, fixings, joints and edge closures are specified?
ExposureIndoor/outdoor conditions, temperatures and any special requirements
SupplyPanel schedule, cut-outs, packing and identification
Actual Banarta composite-panel image. A different facing creates a different configuration to review.
Actual Banarta composite-panel image. A different facing creates a different configuration to review.

Separate core properties from panel performance

Core compressive strength does not establish the bending capacity of a finished panel, the permitted support span or the performance of a wall. Facings, bonding, geometry, supports and connections all form part of the design. Where a project has structural, fire, thermal or acoustic requirements, request evidence applicable to the actual configuration and its intended use.

Buying core material for your own lamination process? Start with XPS foam core boards for OEM supply, or review slotted XPS cores for panel fabrication when you have a machining drawing. State the core dimensions, surface on each side, proposed facings, bonding process and quantity per part. Ask the quotation to separate bare core supply, machining and any lamination. Agree the material specification and a trial in your intended process before approving bulk supply; a core sample alone does not verify the finished panel.

Let the use determine the questions

A partition, a lining and a refrigerated enclosure may have different demands. For example, a surface exposed to regular cleaning needs a defined finish and compatible joint treatment. An opening requires edge and connection details. Discuss these conditions before choosing a facing from a sample colour alone.

A useful first enquiry

  • Attach the proposed section and support arrangement.
  • Specify both facings rather than writing only the visible colour.
  • List overall dimensions, quantities and cut-outs on a drawing.
  • State required reports and the destination’s project requirements.
  • Ask the supplier to identify exceptions and confirm the quoted construction.

Use the XPS Foam Composite Panels range to start that discussion. A configuration-specific answer is more useful than a general promise that one panel can serve every application.

Sources & product references

Product ranges are not a declaration for every configuration. Use current documents for the selected supply. External references explain general principles and do not certify Banarta products.

Choose products for your enquiry

Send the product link or model, application, dimensions, quantity and destination. Include drawings or required technical documents where relevant; mark undecided details for review.

Prepare your enquiry with the trade enquiry sheet (.xlsx)

Discuss your requirements with Banarta
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