Composite structural insulated panels (C-SIPs) are a form of sandwich panel used in the construction industry. These panels consist of an insulating layer of rigid core sandwiched between two outside layers of structural material. C-SIPs share the same structural properties as an I-beam or I-column. The rigid insulation core of the panel acts as a web, while the sheathing fulfills the function of the flanges. C-SIPs combine several components of conventional building, such as studs and joists, insulation, vapor barrier, and air barrier into a single panel. They can be used for many different applications, such as interior or exterior wall, roof, floor, and foundation.
LitePan® is a C-SIP composed of LiteTex® composite skins attached with adhesive to both sides of a solid structural and insulating core material. FieldWorks believes the largest LitePan® panel, at 3 m x 15 m, is the largest in the world.
LitePan® cores can be created by a range of materials, including EPS (expanded polystyrene), XPS (extruded polystyrene), or PU (polyurethane foam board). Due to its high level of mechanical strength while being lightweight, LitePan® panels are widely used for structural applications, including but not limited to transportation, logistics, building and construction, and oil and gas.
LiteTex® is made from a continuous glass-, aramid-, or carbon-fiber industrial textile infused with a proprietary thermoplastic polymer resin optimized for each particular application. Unlike phenolic resin thermoset composite skins, LiteTex® is not brittle and does not emit toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When aramid fiber textile is used, ballistic armor resistance up to level IIIA has been achieved. Efforts are under way to increase the armor rating even higher and to engineer for blast resistance as well.
The LiteTex® panels are easy to handle, fully recyclable and have a long-expected use life, spanning decades without corrosion. The ultraviolet coating that comes standard on the exterior surface of glass fiber-based LiteTex® skins protects the panel from U/V deterioration for many years. It is also very easy to attach objects
Rolls of LiteTex® Skins and decorations can be added to the surface of the panels with either screws or adhesive. The LiteTex® skin is extremely strong and holds screws very well without cracking- something not true of many competitive products. The look and feel of the surface can also be easily customized with paint or laminates of wood, brick, or stone facings.
LitePan® panels have passed a number of third-party tests, that conform to the International Residential Code, providing a barrier to competitive products that lack such accreditation. These tests, performed in accordance with Acceptance Criteria AC04, include ASTM E72 (structural), ASTM D1037 (fastener evaluation), and ASTM E119 (a 60-minute load test that demonstrates structural integrity in a burning environment).
The innovative skins of LitePan® panels are made from continuous fiber industrial textiles infused with a proprietary thermoplastic polymer resin that, in combination, have the strength of steel with the lightness of plastic.
The composite skins are attached with a special adhesive to an insulating structural core. Our Standard Core materials used for LitePan® can include, depending on needs: PP Honeycomb, Paper Honeycomb, Expanded Polystyrene, Extruded Polystyrene, Polyurethane Foam Board, PET Foam, Plywood, or Recycled Plastics. These skins hold fasteners well without cracking and do not emit toxic VOCs. The panels are lightweight and can be carried and installed without need of heavy equipment.
Although the panels are very lightweight, they are extremely strong and can even support the weight of a car. These panels are further differentiated by their large size (up to 10’x40′ ) yet light enough to be handled and installed manually by just 4 people. LitePan® panels have passed a number of third-party tests that conform to the International Residential Code. These tests, performed in accordance with Acceptance Criteria AC04 include ASTM E72 (structural), ASTM D1037 (fastener evaluation), and ASTM E119 (a 60-minute load test that demonstrates structural integrity in a burning environment).
Our integrated solution uses computer drafting technology to minimize manufacturing waste while producing pre-fabricated sections that can be rapidly assembled on site. This process benefits from low-cost manufacturing labor, decreased on-site skill requirements for construction resources, and dramatically shorter build time.
A well-insulated thermal structure enclosure to ensure that the desired temperature inside the house stays that way with less energy and cost. Composite SIP construction prevents thermal bridges which conduct heat and cold in and out of the enclosure. Airtight connections between these panels is one of the key technologies of Axia Materials enables consistent indoor and surface temperatures with minimal energy expenditure. It also does not allow any cold drafts or hot areas. And all of this requires no construction expertise. R-values measure a material’s resistance to thermal conductivity. For traditional stick-built construction with fiberglass insulation, R-values range from R12 to R38, while walls and roofs made with LitePan® have a much higher resistance to heat transfer, typically from R25 to- R50 (U-value of 0.04 – 0.02 W/m2K).