Folks,

It's crunch time for us as we determine just how we should build our SIP panels for the Alaska market.  Up to this time, we've focused on EPS foam blocks for our cores but we've discovered that we'll pay twice as much for them as we would if we were fabricating panels in the Lower 48.  I realize that under most circumstances, EPS is cheaper than PU foam but due to our unique circumstances here, this might not hold true (it could be that the premium price we pay for EPS foam could make PU foam components more viable due to the fact that the shipping expense might be considerably less since cannisters of foam components take up a lot less space than the foam itself).

I now know a fair amount about the economics of building SIPs with EPS but I don't know the first thing about how to build them with PU foam.  Could someone describe the process, including the names of the manufacturers of the required equipment and foam components?  I really want to bring affordable SIPs to Alaska and I could sure use some help.

If someone would prefer to call me to fill me in on all the details, my phone number is 907-398-9231.  I was joking with a friend that I was throwing this question out to the SIPs Brain Trust -- I'm hopeful that someone with the knowledge I need will be generous enough to respond...

Best wishes,

Eric

Eric,

Taking a tour of a shop that makes PU panels would be a really fast way to learn the process.  Some metal sip companies, for a nominal fee, might be interested in assisting you setting up your shop to make their panels in your area.

postman,

Have a look at the following photos and the panel making mould machine it might be old looking but it gets the job done.

you should be able to make the mould press pretty cheap, allowing you could start making panels straight away.

LINK

what do you think

Dear Isogroup,

That is exactly the kind of info I am interested in.  Could you please explain the process of panel making?  What were the Part A and Part B components, how were they mixed and applied and exactly how does the jig/mold work?  How long must the panels stay in the mold?

It would be a tremendous help if you could answer these questions....

Best wishes!

Eric

postman,

the answer is how long is a piece of string.

i am more than happy to ring you and talk to you.

Hi, did you get any further with this. I am looking to build in the Caribbean using ICFs and it would be far more cost
effective to manufacture the icfs locally rather than shipping "fresh air". Many thanks

Vince;

 

What particular island?

Hi Eric,

I am originally from Finnish Lapland, probably from from further north than you. My original home is in Kittilä, which is situated 100 miles north from Polar Circle.

I have been in the sandwich panel industry since 1981, however, we never manufactured panels in Lapland.  This is mainly due to good traffic infrastructur in our country. So panels were manufactured in the area where market was sustainable. Technically I do not see any problems in the manufacturing in the nothern most places either PU or EPS core panels, both of them have their advantages, pros and cons.

I think that you first have to list properties, cost items and so on. Then I can help you find the most appropriate manufacturing method.

Best regards, Risto Ojala