Lightweight Vanolit panel for bodies
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TECHNICAL Panel Industries of Braintree, Essex has developed a new, lightweight, composite glass reinforced plastic panel for use on van bodies for vehicles up to 5.5 tonnes gvw.
Complete bodies constructed of Vanolit, as the new material is called, arc on display for the first time at this week's Institute of Road Transport Engineers display at Solihull. Coachwork Conversions and Giltsave arc two of the bodybuilders displaying these bodies.
Compared with the standard Glasonit composite panel, TPI's best known product, the Vanolit panel, 9nim thick overall, is some 25 per cent lighter and, according to sales director, John Richardson, will cost "appreciably less". Exact prices are riot expected to be finalised until full production of the new panels begins next month.
The major problem to be solved in the development of the Vanolit panel, which TPI says has taken two years, was finding a lightweight plywood for its core that would not perish quickly. It is overlaid with woven roving glass reinforcement and has a gelcoat, high-gloss finish.