Process of Manufacturing

Advanced Fabricated Building Process of Manufacturing

The SIP manufacturing process depends on the materials that comprise the panel. For panels made of EPS and OSB, the standard practice is to glue the foam to both panels and compress the resulting assembly to ensure good bonding.

Recently, CAD (computer aided design) and CAM (computer aided manufacturing) technologies have improved SIP production. In this process, CAD/CAM software converts the blueprints of the panel into detailed instructions for a CNC (computerized numerical control) machine, which accurately cuts and produces SIP components.

During the manufacturing process, narrow channels or chases are cut also into the foam for electrical wiring (Fig. 3.12). Electrical wires are then pulled through these channels during SIP installation.

***Figure 3.12*** *Narrow chases or wire chases are cast into the foam for electrical wiring.*

Generally, SIP panels are available in thickness from 4 to 6 in. for wall panels, and up to 14 in. for roof panels. Panel size can vary from small to jumbo panels. Jumbo SIPs commonly use OSB sheets up to 8 ft. x 24 ft. Although there are industry standards, SIP panels are customizable in shape, density, dimension, thickness, and appearance for each project.

***Figure 3.13*** Plan view of a standard production line provided by SIPSTECH, a company which develops technologies for manufacturing processes: In this process the gantry bead glue applicator has the capacity to cover an 8 ft. wide panel of any length. The machine automatically applies glue and water mist. A stack of panels is assembled and pressed in a vacuum press. One cycle can produce 7 panels of 8 ft.x 24 ft.x 4.5 in.. Thicknesses up to 35 in. can be produced.

***Figure 3.14*** Floor plan of an automated production line provided by SIPSTECH: The system is a single-process machine where materials are placed on one side of the production line and the SIP walls exit from the other side. The machine produces one 8 ft. x 24 ft. panel per 6 minutes, requiring only 2 trained staff. The machine is computer controlled and automatically applies glue to the materials. Glue is not applied to areas where openings will be placed, facilitating the reuse of materials.

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