Insulated sandwich panels

Scope of supply

Insulated sandwich panels are factory-made elements with two steel facings bonded to an insulating core. They are used where a building needs a defined thermal performance, a clean internal finish or hygiene-grade surfaces, such as cold storage, food processing and climate-controlled warehouses. World Steel sources panels from qualified panel manufacturers and integrates them into the building design, so that girt and purlin spacing, panel span tables, fixing and trims are coordinated within one cladding package.

• Roof panels with trapezoidal outer face, and wall panels with flat, micro-rib or lined faces.
• Concealed-fix or through-fix fasteners matched to panel thickness.
• Panel trims, internal and external corners, closures, sealants and vapour-tight joint tapes.
• For cold rooms: floor-to-wall and ceiling connection profiles and hygienic coved trims, as specified.

Core options

Panel width is typically about 1,000–1,200 mm. Thermal transmittance falls with thickness; the U-value of the assembly, including joints and fixings, should be confirmed with the manufacturer's data for the specific panel.

Materials and finishes

Facings are aluminium-zinc or zinc coated steel, typically 0.40–0.60 mm, pre-painted in polyester, PVDF or food-safe coatings for hygienic interiors. Where condensation or chemical exposure is expected, the interior facing coating is selected separately from the exterior. Panel brands available include products from Kingspan and regional manufacturers, chosen according to the fire and thermal approvals required in the destination market. See roof and wall insulation for alternatives using blanket insulation.

Compliance by market

Panels are manufactured products with their own approvals; WSC is responsible for the steel structure supporting them and for coordinating the panel supplier's certifications.

Factory-made panels, built-up systems and test data

Insulated envelopes can be supplied either as factory-made composite panels or as field-assembled double-skin systems. Composite panels give faster enclosure and consistent airtightness; built-up systems are easier to ship and adapt on site. For cold rooms below 0 °C, composite panels are the normal choice.

Mineral wool panels are selected where non-combustible construction or fire separation is required; PIR panels where thermal performance dominates and the fire classification is accepted by the authority and the insurer. See insulated sandwich panels for design background.

Documentation, packing and quotation

Deliverables include panel layouts, span and load tables for the selected panel, fixing schedules, thermal and fire test certificates from the manufacturer, and trim details. Panels are packed in film-wrapped packs with foam spacers on timber or EPS bearers and shipped in containers with protection against crushing of the edges.

A quotation can be prepared quickly when the enquiry states the project location and the code to be used. Please send:

1. Building use and internal temperature or humidity class.
2. Required U-value or R-value and fire classification.
3. Roof and wall areas, panel orientation and colour.
4. Any hygienic, insurer (FM) or local approval requirement.

World Steel returns a priced scope with a clear inclusions and exclusions list, the design basis assumed and a typical lead time. Enquiries go through the export supply team in Ho Chi Minh City.