Steadmans, a manufacturer
of cladding and roofing
products, has improved the
quality of its range of
insulated panels through
investment in an in-line
waterjet cutting process from
Wightman Stewart.

An AS 35 panel consists of
two coated steel profiles,
including an external weather
sheet 0.5mm thick and an
internal liner 0.4mm thick.

Through a continuous
process, a core of polyisoderived
cyanurate (PIR) insulation is
introduced between the steel
profiles. The system provides
a weatherproof envelope that
can be rapidly installed.

A pure water in-line
waterjet cutting system has
been introduced whereby the
waterjet cutting head follows
a saw blade that rough cuts
each panel as it is fed along
the production line. Waterjet
trims the insulating foam
and provides a 90° smooth
edge to the panel, removing
any excess fill.

Wightman stewart says
that on-site, contractors can
achieve a tight fit when
installing the panels, ensuring
better and faster installation
with no rework.