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The trend of using fiberglass PET foam sandwich panels to build dry cargo truck bodies is growing day by day. This material has become a popular choice in the industry due to its advantages such as light weight, durability, environmental protection and economy. Fiberglass PET foam sandwich panels are used as wall panels, roof panels, door panels or partitions for box truck bodies. The flooring is usually made of non-slip thermoplastic polypropylene thermoplastic honeycomb panels.
Environmentally friendly
PET foam is a highly environmentally friendly material with excellent recyclability and can be reused to effectively reduce the impact of waste on the environment. As one of the most environmentally friendly plastics, PET’s recycling process is simple and efficient, making it an ideal material that meets modern sustainable development goals.
Durable
The combination of fiberglass and closed-cell PET foam creates an extremely durable material that excels in both strength and resilience. The fiberglass reinforcements enhance structural integrity, while the closed-cell PET foam core provides excellent resistance to impact, compression, and environmental factors. It is able to withstand harsh conditions, including moisture, chemicals, and temperature changes.
Lightweight
PET foam is low in density and can significantly reduce the gross weight of dry truck bodies, thereby reducing fuel consumption and improving transportation efficiency. Despite its light weight, PET foam still has sufficient rigidity and strength.
Economic benefits
Compared with traditional wood or metal materials, the production cost of PET foam is lower. Its efficient utilization rate and less raw material demand further reduce production costs. With the advancement of production technology, the price of PET materials continues to decline, making it the preferred material for more and more body manufacturers, especially suitable for large-scale production.
Specifications
| Facing | Thermosetting FRP – Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic. Thermoplastic FRP (CFRT) – Continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic. |
| Core | Virgin/Recycled PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) foam. (Density: 60-300kg/m³) |
| Thickness | 10-50mm. |
| Length | ≤12000mm. |
| Width | ≤2800mm. |
Virgin PET Foam vs Recycled PET Foam
| Characteristic | Virgin PET Foam | Recycled PET Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Material Source | Made from new, unused raw materials. | Made from post-consumer or post-industrial recycled PET. |
| Purity | High purity with consistent quality. | May contain impurities depending on the recycling process. |
| Mechanical Properties | Superior strength, stiffness, and durability. | Mechanical properties may vary but generally less consistent. |
| Environmental Impact | Higher carbon footprint, more resource-intensive. | Lower carbon footprint, more sustainable and eco-friendly. |
Thermosetting FRP vs Thermoplastic FRP
| Characteristic | Thermosetting FRP | Thermoplastic FRP (CFRT) |
|---|---|---|
| Material Properties | Strong, rigid, and highly resistant to heat and chemicals. | Flexible and can be reshaped after heating. |
| Temperature Resistance | Higher resistance to heat and thermal degradation. | Lower heat resistance compared to thermosetting FRP. |
| Durability | Less durable in terms of long-term performance in high-stress conditions. | More durable in extreme conditions and high stress. |
| Recyclability | Cannot be remelted or reshaped once set, difficult to recycle. | Can be reheated and reshaped, more recyclable. |
| Cost | Generally more expensive due to the complex production process. | More cost-effective, especially for large-scale manufacturing. |
How to Process PET Panels
Relying on intelligent CNC machining, PET panels are quickly and accurately processed into the designed shape and size. Every detail of the panel is perfectly presented. Whether it is complex cutting, punching, or edge processing, the intelligent processing equipment can ensure processing accuracy.
How to Connect PET Panels
Using metal profiles and rivets, floors, wall panels, and roof panels can be securely connected and quickly assembled into a dry truck body. This modular assembly method greatly shortens production time, reduces labor costs, and makes each part of the body more structurally stable and reliable. The strength of the metal profile ensures the firmness of the connection, while the use of rivets makes the assembly process simple and fast, greatly improving work efficiency. In the end, the performance of the precision-assembled body is also guaranteed, with excellent durability, earthquake resistance, and wind pressure resistance.
To learn more about composite panel applications for dry freight truck bodies, please contact us.