A comprehensive guide to frequently asked questions about purchasing SINOPAN sandwich panels. Covering product specifications, pricing, thermal insulation and fire resistance, installation and transportation, and after-sales service. Get quick, professional advice and resolve your purchasing concerns in one place.
Welcome to SINOPAN's FAQ Center. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions about sandwich panel purchasing, aiming to provide you with quick and transparent answers. Whether you're looking for specifications and performance for rock wool and polyurethane sandwich panels, or pricing and shipping procedures, you'll find answers here. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact our professional team.
Q: What is a sandwich panel, and what is it made of?
A: A sandwich panel is a high-performance building material consisting of three layers. It features a core insulating material (such as Rockwool, PIR, or PUR or glass wool) bonded between two durable metal facings (like color-coated steel, aluminum-zinc, or stainless steel). This composite structure provides excellent thermal insulation and structural strength in a single product.
Q: What are the core advantages of your sandwich panels?
A: Our panels are engineered for superior performance, offering key benefits:
Fire Resistance: Certain cores (like Rockwool class A1&PIR class B,s1-d0) offer exceptional fire resistance.
Excellent Thermal Insulation: Significantly reduces energy costs for heating and cooling.
Effective Acoustic Insulation: Creates a quieter, more comfortable interior environment.
Lightweight & High Strength: Easy to handle and install without compromising structural integrity.
Aesthetic & Durable: A wide range of colors and finishes provides a modern, clean look that lasts.
Q: What types of core materials are available, and how do they differ?
A: We offer three primary core types to suit different project requirements:
Summary & Selection Guide
Characteristic |
PUR (Polyurethane) |
PIR (Polyisocyanurate) |
Rock Wool |
Chemical Composition |
Polyurethane |
Polyisocyanurate (an enhanced version of PUR) |
Molten volcanic rock (inorganic material) |
Thermal Conductivity (Insulation) |
Excellent |
Exceptional |
Good |
Reaction to Fire (EU/US Standards) |
Class B1 (Chinese Standard) |
Class B-s1, d0 (EN 13501-1) |
Class A1 (EN 13501-1) |
Mechanical Strength |
High |
Very High |
Moderate |
Weight |
Lightweight |
Lightweight (similar to PUR) |
Heavy |
Water Absorption |
Very Low |
Extremely Low |
High (untreated) |
Temp. Resistance |
-50°C ~ +110°C |
-50°C ~ +120°C (peaks of 150°C) |
> 1000°C |
Key Advantages |
Good price/insulation balance, lightweight, hydrophobic. |
Maximum insulation, excellent fire performance, high-temperature resistance, stable. |
Incombustible, excellent acoustic insulation. |
Disadvantages |
Lower fire resistance compared to PIR and Rock Wool. |
Slightly higher cost than PUR. |
High weight, reduced insulation if wet, requires more robust structural support. |
Typical Applications |
• Standard industrial warehouses. |
• High-performance industrial warehouses. |
• Buildings with strict fire requirements: offices, hospitals, schools, airports. |
Q: What are the choices for the outer layer (facing) material?
A: The facing can be customized based on your needs for durability, aesthetics, and budget:
Color Coated Galvanized Steel: The most common choice, offering a great balance of cost, color options, and corrosion resistance.
Aluminum-Zinc Alloy Coated Steel: Provides enhanced corrosion resistance and longevity compared to standard galvanized steel.
Stainless Steel: Used for specialized applications requiring the highest level of corrosion resistance and hygiene (e.g., food processing plants).
Q: In which applications are sandwich panels commonly used?
A: Our panels are versatile and used in numerous sectors:
Industrial & Manufacturing Facilities
Logistics Warehouses & Distribution Centers
Cold Storage & Freezer Rooms
Clean Rooms & Pharmaceutical Plants
Commercial Buildings & Office Spaces
Agricultural Buildings
Q: What is the fire rating of your panels?
A: Fire rating depends on the core material:
Rockwool Panels: Achieve an A1 class rating (non-combustible) according to ASTM E84.
PIR Panels: achieve a B-s1, d0 class rating (low flammability, limited smoke emission).
Q: How good is the thermal insulation (K-value)?
A: Our panels offer excellent insulation. The precise K-value (thermal conductivity) varies by core type and thickness. For example, our PIR cores offer some of the lowest K-values on the market (e.g., ~0.022 W/mK). Contact us with your specific requirements for detailed technical data sheets.
Q: What are the standard dimensions, and can you customize them?
A: We offer extensive customization to fit your project perfectly.
Thickness: Typically from 40mm to 200mm.
Width: 1.12m &1.0m Standard panel widths are available
Length: Can be customized up to certain limits (e.g., 11.9 meters for 40HQ) based on transport logistics
Q: What are the load-bearing and wind pressure resistance capabilities?
A: Our panels are designed for high structural performance. The specific load-bearing capacity and wind resistance are calculated based on the panel type, thickness, span, and support spacing. Our engineering team can provide detailed calculations for your specific project design.
Q: Do your products have relevant quality certifications?
A: Absolutely. We are committed to quality and safety. Our products also come with full fire performance test reports from accredited laboratories. Certifications are available for review.
Q: How can I get a detailed quotation?
A: To provide you with an accurate and competitive quote, please share your project details:
Project requirements and intended application.
Desired panel type, core material, and thickness.
Thickness of 2 sides of steel
Approximate quantity (square meters).
Destination port(in case of CIF terms required).
Q: What is the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)? Do you accept small orders?
A: We have a standard MOQ 1x40HQ (around 500m²) to ensure efficiency. However, we are flexible and welcome sample orders or small projects for evaluation. Please discuss your needs with our sales team.
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: Normally for an initial order, it’s 50% T/T as deposit, balance before shipment. Terms are confirmed upon order placement.
Q: What is the purchasing process?
A: The process is simple:
Inquiry & Consultation
Provide Requirements & Specifications
Receive Quotation & Technical Support
Confirm Order & Sign Contract
Make Payment
Production & Quality Control
Shipping & Delivery
Q: Can you provide samples? How are they charged?
A: Yes, we can provide small sample for evaluation. Samples are generally free of charge; customers only need to cover the courier freight cost.
Q: Do you offer installation services or guidance?
A: We provide comprehensive technical installation support, including detailed layout drawings and installation manuals. But we do not offer any installation services at job site.
Q: What is the typical lifespan of the panels, and how do I maintain them?
A: With proper installation, our panels have a long service life. The galvanized steel facings offer excellent corrosion resistance. Maintenance is simple: occasional cleaning with water and a mild detergent is usually sufficient to keep them looking new.
Q: What is the process if products are damaged in transit or on site?
A: Immediately notify us and the shipping company (if applicable) within 24 hours of delivery. Please provide photos of the damage and the packaging. We will quickly investigate and propose a solution, which may include replacement of damaged parts, to minimize project delays.