Refrigerated truck body panels are insulated FRP or aluminum-skinned sandwich panel systems engineered for refrigerated truck bodies, reliably maintaining internal temperatures from -25°C to +5°C for perishable transport. The outer skins use gel-coated fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) at 1.4-2.0mm thickness, with smooth aluminum or pre-painted steel available as alternative surfaces to match specific fleet requirements.
The polyurethane (PU) foam core delivers thermal insulation with a density of 40-45 kg/m³ and thermal conductivity of 0.022-0.024 W/(m·K), ensuring stable cold chain performance. For cost-sensitive applications, extruded polystyrene (XPS) cores are offered at 35-40 kg/m³ density with thermal conductivity of 0.027-0.034 W/(m·K), suitable for moderately insulated transport.
Standard panel thickness ranges from 50mm to 125mm, with 60mm, 80mm, and 100mm as the most common configurations for chilled and frozen applications. Panels are available in widths up to 2,700mm and custom lengths up to 10,000mm, joined by tongue-and-groove or overlapping profiles sealed with polyurethane adhesive to eliminate thermal bridging and air leakage.
These insulated panels serve frozen and chilled food distribution, pharmaceutical cold chain, perishable logistics, reefer semi-trailers, and mobile catering units. They meet ATP compliance standards, achieving Normally Insulated (IN) K-values ≤ 0.70 W/m²K and Heavily Insulated (IR) K-values ≤ 0.40 W/m²K for certified international perishable transport.
Your Trusted Manufacturer for Refrigerated Truck Body Panel
RaxPanel manufactures refrigerated truck body panels at our Hebei, China facility using continuous high-pressure vacuum lamination that bonds gel-coated FRP or aluminum skins to PU and XPS cores in a single pass. The process produces monolithic skin-to-core adhesion exceeding 100 kPa per EN 14509, eliminating the delamination risk that compromises thermal performance under road vibration and thermal cycling.
Our cold chain quality process includes K-value verification testing on production samples to confirm ATP classification compliance before shipment. With a daily production capacity exceeding 1,700 m² and exports to more than 30 countries and regions, we supply reefer body builders and fleet operators who require documented thermal performance data with every panel batch.
- In-house high-pressure vacuum lamination with single-pass skin-to-core bonding, eliminating secondary adhesive steps and reducing delamination risk under road vibration.
- Batch K-value testing on production samples before dispatch, with thermal performance data sheets included in every shipment for fleet operator documentation.
- CNC trimming, routing, and edge profiling to match body-builder drawings; panels ship pre-finished and cut to exact body dimensions.
- Panels delivered pre-finished with gel-coat or painted surfaces, CNC-trimmed to body-builder drawings for direct assembly without secondary machining on site.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Skin Material | Gel-coated FRP / Aluminum / Pre-painted Steel |
| Skin Thickness | 1.4-2.0 mm |
| Core Material | PU foam / XPS |
| Core Density | PU: 40-45 kg/m³; XPS: 35-40 kg/m³ |
| Thermal Conductivity | PU: 0.022-0.024 W/(m·K); XPS: 0.027-0.034 W/(m·K) |
| Thickness Range | 50-125 mm (standard: 60, 80, 100 mm) |
| Max Width | Up to 2,700 mm |
| Max Length | Up to 10,000 mm |
| Adhesion Strength | > 100 kPa (EN 14509) |
| Joint System | Tongue-and-groove / overlapping with PU adhesive |
| Temperature Range | -25°C to +5°C |
| ATP Classification | IN: K ≤ 0.70 W/m²K; IR: K ≤ 0.40 W/m²K |
| Fire Resistance | B1 (DIN 4102) |
| Accessories | 304 stainless frames, EPDM seals, aluminum edge protectors |
Refrigerated Truck Body Panel Selection Guide
Refrigerated body panels must hold a certified thermal envelope under road vibration, thermal cycling, and daily wash-down. The specification decisions below determine whether the body passes ATP inspection and keeps operating costs low over its service life.
Pro Tip: Match Core Type to ATP Classification
PU core at 100 mm or above achieves IR certification (K ≤ 0.40 W/m²K) for frozen transport at -25°C. XPS at 60-80 mm suits IN classification for chilled distribution. Always verify K-values on production samples, not just design calculations, before body certification.
PU core at 100 mm or above achieves IR certification (K ≤ 0.40 W/m²K) for frozen transport at -25°C. XPS at 60-80 mm suits IN classification for chilled distribution. Always verify K-values on production samples, not just design calculations, before body certification.
1. Choosing between PU and XPS cores
2. Selecting panel thickness for the temperature range
For deep-frozen transport at -25°C, 100 mm or 125 mm PU panels achieve IR K-values ≤ 0.40 W/m²K. For chilled distribution between 0°C and +5°C, 60-80 mm panels meet IN requirements at ≤ 0.70 W/m²K while keeping tare weight low. Multi-temperature bodies with a movable bulkhead typically specify 80 mm walls and 100 mm roof to balance the two zones.
3. Joint sealing and thermal bridge prevention
Tongue-and-groove and overlapping profiles are sealed with polyurethane adhesive to eliminate thermal bridging and air infiltration at panel connections. The adhesive must remain flexible at -25°C to accommodate the differential contraction between the FRP skin and the foam core. Corner joints and door frame interfaces are the most common leak paths and should receive a continuous sealant bead during assembly.
4. Skin material and wash-down durability
Gel-coated FRP skins at 1.4-2.0 mm resist the alkaline detergents and high-pressure water used in daily food-transport wash-down cycles. Aluminium skins offer a brighter interior for visual inspection but dent more easily during loading. Pre-painted steel is the most economical option for exterior surfaces where impact risk is low.
5. ATP certification and documentation
ATP certification requires K-value testing of the complete body every six years. Panels manufactured with verified skin-to-core adhesion exceeding 100 kPa per EN 14509 and sealed joints maintain thermal performance between tests. Production batch documentation with K-value test data supports fleet operators during ATP renewal inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What thickness do I need for frozen transport at -25°C?
100 mm or 125 mm PU panels achieve IR K-values ≤ 0.40 W/m²K. For chilled distribution 0 to +5°C, 60-80 mm panels meet IN requirements at ≤ 0.70 W/m²K.
How does vacuum lamination prevent delamination?
Continuous high-pressure vacuum lamination creates monolithic skin-to-core bonds exceeding 100 kPa per EN 14509, preventing delamination under thermal cycling between -25°C and ambient plus road vibration.
Can panels be repaired after impact damage?
Localized skin damage can be ground out and re-laminated with matching gel-coat FRP. Core damage exceeding 50 mm diameter requires cutting back to sound foam and bonding in a replacement core plug with PU adhesive.
What is the expected panel service life?
With intact gel-coat and sealed joints, PU-core panels maintain ATP-classified thermal performance for 10-15 years. Periodic inspection of corner seals and door gaskets prevents the air leakage that raises K-values over time.
Sandwich Panel Manufacturer
Custom Core & Skin • Tailored Dimensions