Since we first manufactured panels, a number of questions have been asked of us. We have attempted to group the most frequently asked in this chapter. We put all our panel experience at your disposition and will do or utmost to advise you about your existing projects.

   
- Can I order panels to my exact dimensions ?
- How should I cut POLYFONT panels ?
- What should I use to construct a floor for my vehicle ?
- I need to fix some track to an insulated panel, what should I do ?
- And to a standard POLYFONT PW panel ?
- How are your panels packed ?
- What advise can you give on handling panels ?
- How should I stock my panels ?
- What warranty do you provide on your panels ?
- My panel has received a knock and the polyester surface is broken, how should I repair it ?
- What is the fire redundancy classification of your panels ?
- The panel that I ordered was damaged during transport; what should I do ?
- If I need to paint my panels, what preparation is needed ?
- How can you tell the exterior face from the interior face of your panels ?
- What type of foam do you use in your insulated panels?
- Who looks after transport ?


• Can I order panels to my exact dimensions ?

All our customer orders are treated so that the customer receives panels that are ready to mount to the exact dimensions required.


• How should I cut POLYFONT panels ?

For straight cuts we advise using a circular saw with a tungsten carbide blade. For window cut-outs a jigsaw should be used.


• What should I use to construct a floor for my vehicle ?

It all depends on the size and use of the vehicle; if it’s a small rigid that does not use a pallet loader, POLYFLOOR with a Pine ply core is acceptable. If the floor surface takes a wheel in the form of roll cages or pallet loader, a Birch core should be used. These floors can be covered either with a barleyseed pattern non-slip coating or a protective, removable tissue that allows the customer to surface the floor himself. The second solution is handy for a bodybuilder who wishes to finish the floor surface with a ‘homemade’ non-slip cover.


• I need to fix some track to an insulated panel, what should I do ?

We have two solutions: you supply drawings of your panel showing the type of insert, its dimensions and position. We then manufacture the panel to these drawings. Alternatively, you indicate the position of your track and we will attach it to the panel for you; either recessed or semi-recessed.


• And to a standard POLYFONT PW panel ?

For this type of panel there are also a number of alternatives. According to the country and vehicle usage, track is fixed by different methods. One method is to glue and screw but, if the customer requires we can place steel ‘tapping pads’ on the interior face of the panel to screw in to. Equally, we can supply panels with track already attached at the factory to the position of your choice. This option is available in PW panels from 20mm thick minimum.


• How are your panels packed ?

Each customer order is split into packs of 4 to 20 panels depending upon the dimensions of the panels ordered. These packs are covered with polythene to protect the panels during transport. Each pack is placed on wooden supports to facilitate unloading either using straps or with a fork-lift.


• What advise can you give on handling panels ?

Our panels are transported flat on platform trailers. We do not advise the use of fork-lifts for unloading long panels due to the risk of bowing which can lead to cracking of the gelcoat. We recommend the use of a suction lift taking care when unloading thin panels.

• How should I stock my panels ?

Ideally, you should stock panels as we do in the factory. Flat on wooden supports which are lined up one under the other to prevent distortion of the panel. The edges of composite panels should be protected from the elements before use and stocking panels outside is not advisable. The use of a tarpaulin to protect panels should only be considered a temporary measure as it can retain humidity and cause condensation to damage panels, especially if colour impregnated.

• What warranty do you provide on your panels ?

Our statutory warranty is for 12 months. We can extend this warranty as an option. Our warranty covers manufacturing faults but does not cover problems relating to an incorrect mounting or errors of handling or stocking.

• My panel has received a knock and the polyester surface is broken, how should I repair it ?

Surface repairs are very easy to do with the majority of products needed to do polyester repairs freely available. Equally, we sell repair kits which will enable to repair any kind of panel damage. A brochure outlining repair procedure is available in three languages. Do not hesitate to ask advice from your POLYFONT commercial contact !

• What is the fire redundancy classification of your panels ?

We can process panels using F1 components, the panel made with this princip will not have this classification.

The fire classification of our panels has not been determinated.

• The panel that I ordered was damaged during transport; what should I do ?

You must make a note of the damage on the Delivery Note and notify us in writing within three days so that we can claim from the transport company and manufacture a replacement panel in the shortest possible time.

• If I need to paint my panels, what preparation is needed ?

The gelcoat exterior of a POLYFONT panel must not be sanded using a machine. Minor surface imperfections should be removed using a Scotch Brite® type pad by hand only. The panel should then be washed and dried before priming. The panel is then ready to receive one or two coats of paint.

• How can you tell the exterior face from the interior face of your panels ?

With our new continuous manufacturing process, the difference between interior and exterior faces is difficult to see. This is why our panels are identified on the interior face. Also, there is a sticker marking the BOTTOM/TOP of the panel to avoid mounting the panel upside down in the case of a high panel with a plywood joint which should always be mounted at the top. When we deliver panels, the exterior face is always visible.

• What type of foam do you use in your insulated panels ?

We only use Polyurethane foam; guaranteed without CFC’s and of a density of 35 or 50 kg/m3 according to the application.

• Who looks after transport ?

We can organise the transport of your panel order. The transport is done in this case by transport companies equipped to carry panels of all dimensions. Equally, you can organise your own transport; our order confirmation will tell you when the panels are available.

Above we have answered some recurrent questions. Do not hesitate to call us if you have your own question or use our E-Mail service :

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