This week, we want to do something special on the Ferbox blog: give a voice to our customers!
We know that choosing the right hygienic insulating panels for demanding sectors like food and pharmaceutical can raise many questions. That's why we've gathered the most frequently asked questions we receive every day—questions that help us better understand your needs and provide you with the best solutions.
Q: What are hygienic insulating panels and what are they used for?
A: Ferbox hygienic insulating panels are prefabricated elements, consisting of an insulating core enclosed between two coatings, designed to create environments with high standards of hygiene and temperature control. They are essential for sectors such as food, pharmaceutical, hospital, and chemical industries, where contamination and thermal variations must be minimized.
Q: What are the main advantages of using your panels?
A: Our panels offer numerous advantages, including:
- Superior Hygiene: Smooth, non-porous surfaces that prevent dirt accumulation and bacterial proliferation, making them easy to clean and sanitize.
- Excellent Thermal and Acoustic Insulation: Reduced energy costs and maintenance of controlled temperatures, along with effective insulation from external noise.
- Rapid Installation: The modular system allows for quick and less invasive assembly compared to traditional construction.
- Durability and Resistance: High-quality materials that ensure a long lifespan and resistance to corrosion, chemical agents, and wear.
- Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to the strictest international hygiene, health, and safety regulations.
Q: In which application sectors can your panels be used?
A: Ferbox hygienic insulating panels are ideal for a wide range of applications, including but not limited to:
- Food Industry: Cold rooms, production and packaging areas, temperature-controlled warehouses.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Cleanrooms, laboratories, sensitive product storage areas.
- Hospital Sector: Operating rooms, analysis laboratories, decontamination areas.
- Chemical Industry: Production and storage rooms for chemical substances.
Distribution and Logistics Centers: Refrigerated warehouses and temperature-controlled environments.
Technical Characteristics and Materials
Q: What materials do you use for the panel coatings and insulating core?
A: Our panels can be customized with different materials to meet specific needs:
- Coatings: Pre-painted steel, stainless steel (AISI 304, AISI 316), plastic laminate (FRP/GRP), and aluminum. The choice depends on the usage environment and the required level of resistance to corrosion and chemical agents. In particular, for applications requiring the highest hygienic standards, we use Glasbord® with Surfaseal® surface treatment.
- Insulating Core: High-density polyurethane (PUR/PIR) for excellent insulating and fire resistance properties, or rock wool for high fire reaction performance and acoustic insulation.
Q: What is Glasbord® with Surfaseal® and what are its specific advantages?
A: Glasbord® is an FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer) laminate reinforced with fiberglass, while Surfaseal® is a patented protective surface treatment applied to Glasbord®. This combination creates an innovative and hygienic surface that offers:
- Superior Hygiene: The smooth yet textured and non-porous surface prevents the infiltration of dirt, particles, and microorganisms, inhibiting the growth of mold and bacterial load.
- Ease of Cleaning: Extremely simple to clean, with resistance to chemical and corrosive agents that reduces sanitization time and costs by up to 30%.
- Resistance and Durability: High resistance to impacts, abrasions, and scratches, ensuring a long lifespan even in demanding environments.
- Resistance and Durability: High resistance to impacts, abrasions, and scratches, ensuring a long lifespan even in demanding environments.
Ferbox uses Glasbord® with Surfaseal® for 80% of its panel and cold room door production, demonstrating its effectiveness and reliability.
Q: Do your panels comply with fire regulations?
A: Yes, our panels are designed to comply with current fire regulations. We offer panels with different fire reaction classes, using materials such as PIR (Polyisocyanurate) or rock wool, which guarantee high performance in case of fire. Glasbord® can also be supplied in a self-extinguishing version (class BS2D0) if necessary. We provide the necessary documentation and certifications for each product.
Q: Are the panels suitable for environments with extreme temperatures (very cold or very hot)?
A: Absolutely. Our panels are designed to ensure optimal insulation across a wide range of temperatures, from freezing cells at -40°C to environments with higher temperatures. The different types of insulation and thicknesses available allow us to offer the most suitable solution for every thermal need.
Installation and Maintenance
Q: How are the panels installed?
A: Ferbox panel installation is quick and simple thanks to the modular system and specific fastening accessories. We provide detailed assembly instructions and, upon request, can offer technical support or on-site supervision to ensure professional installation. Glasbord® can also be installed by simple gluing onto existing surfaces for renovations or sanitization. The HQS (Hygienic Quality System) sealing system with HPS-2C two-component or HPS-1C single-component ensures total flatness between joints, preventing dirt infiltration.
Q: How are the panels cleaned and maintained to ensure long-term hygiene?
A: Cleaning the panels is extremely simple thanks to their smooth and non-porous surfaces, especially those treated with Surfaseal®. We recommend using neutral, non-abrasive detergents. It's important to avoid products containing chlorine or strong acids that could damage the coating. Regular maintenance and proper sanitization ensure the high hygienic standards are maintained over time.
Q: Is it possible to integrate doors, windows, or other accessories into the panels?
A: Certainly, our systems are extremely flexible. It's possible to seamlessly integrate hinged or sliding doors (also with Glasbord® coating), windows of various sizes, passages for systems, and other specific openings or accessories for your project's needs. Each integration is designed to maintain the environment's insulation and hygiene.
Orders and Customizations
Q: Can your products be customized to meet my specific project needs?
A: Yes, customization is one of our strengths. We offer a wide range of thicknesses, finishes (including different Glasbord® colors), and types of insulating core. Furthermore, we can produce custom-sized panels to perfectly fit the dimensions and configuration of your space.
Q: How can I request a quote or more information?
A: You can request a quote or more information by filling out the contact form on our Ferbox Srl website, sending us an email, or contacting us by phone. One of our experts will be happy to provide you with all the answers and support you need for your project.
Q: Do you provide technical support or consultation for choosing the most suitable panels?
A: Absolutely. Our team of experts is at your complete disposal to offer qualified technical consultation.
We'll help you choose the panels and solutions best suited to your specific needs, considering the application sector, current regulations, and available budget.