CompositesWorld
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NEWS 27 CompositesWorld.com Composites in UK Architecture High Performance Tooling for the Composites Industry • Steel • Invar • NVD Nickel • Aluminum • Precision Machining composites@webermfg.ca webermfg.ca appearance if it is located within an area of "natural beauty" or a "conservation area," says Flanagan. Flanagan describes several recent projects for replace- ment of conservatory roofs, using molded ACELL roofing panels. The SMC/foam molded panels are made in sections ranging from 0.8m 2 to 1.8m 2 in size, that replicate exactly the desired material, such as Welsh slate, clay or Roman terra cotta, for example. PCL then adds a carrier structure, usually aluminum-based, to support the panel, and fasten- ers to attach the panel to the roof structure. Panel insula- tion value can be increased if needed by adding more foam. Acell's patented molding technology combines SMC skins and a core of frangible yet fire-resistant phenolic foam, which was developed by the company nearly 30 years ago. The foam offers insulation value; flame, smoke and toxicity (FST) protection; and acoustic damping properties. Notably, the skins can be made to replicate virtually any architec- tural surface texture, including brick, slate or very contem- porary designs, says Acell's executive director Michael Frieh. Color and surface treatments are duplicated via in-mold- applied coatings, natural sand and/or printed fabrics. Reports are that PCL customers with installed ACELL conservatory roofs give positive reviews on the overall appearance, plus the installers themselves are very happy with the huge savings in time and labor during installation. Says Flanagan, "ACELL molded roof panels — made to look like Welsh slate — for example, speed up onsite installation and efficiency tremendously, and can be completed in all weathers." He notes that ACELL panels can be used in low roof-pitch situations, where traditional slates or clay tiles can't be used, which gives PCL an advantage. At CW presstime, PCL planned to introduce an insu- lated wall panel system, or SIP (structural insulated panel), for factory-built modular homes, which Flanagan calls "a massive growth market." Residential housing in the UK is in short supply, and Flanagan estimates that modular homes built with the SIP system, which PCL can build with the ACELL panel, will grow by 300,000 units in 2017 alone. PCL and ACELL are working closely together to increase manu- facturing capacity for the project. Concludes Flanagan, "We're taking a commercial approach to this composite technology for building products. We believe it can totally revolutionize building and construction, and we don't say that lightly. This is an extremely exciting time for us." ACELL also plans to move forward with expansion into new, non-European markets. Learn more online about how the products are made | short.compositesworld.com/KeUV5dzY