Addressing High Edge Core Density Differential in Continuous PU Sandwich Panels with Pentane Blowing System
In continuous production of polyurethane (PU) sandwich panels using pentane as the blowing agent, the foam density is never perfectly uniform across the width. The core (middle) and the edges (near the metal conveyor belts) naturally differ. Under normal conditions, an edgetocore density ratio of 1.1 – 1.2 is acceptable. However, when this ratio exceeds 1.3 (i.e., edges are 30% heavier than the core), serious quality issues arise – warping, waviness, edge delamination, and poor adhesion. So, why does this higherthannormal density differential occur, and what can we do about it?
