Symalite™ – the lightweight solution
Symalite™ is used by Adria Mobil in various models. But what exactly is Symalite™? A quick Google search reveals the following:
"Symalite™ is a special lightweight reinforced thermoplastic material (LWRT) that is available in both textile and panel formats and has low thermal expansion and excellent mechanical and physical properties.
Symalite™ composites are ultra-light and freely formable, but also sound-absorbing and can be directly coated with functional or decorative coverings without the use of adhesives. In panel form, the material can be used instead of plywood, fibreboard or polymer hard foam." (translated from https://www.mcam.com/en/products/composites/glass-fiber/Symalite™)
Symalite™ on the inside of the sandwich construction. Equipped with a layer of PES as used in Aviva Lite models.
Symalite™ on the inside of the sandwich construction. Fitted with a layer of PES as used in Altea and Altea 60Y models.
Part of the sandwich side wall of Adria Astella with, from the outside in: glass fibre reinforced plastic, Symalite™, Styrofoam insulation and plywood.
or Adria Mobil, a manufacturer of recreational vehicles where weight plays a very important role, the weight aspect of Symalite™ is particularly important. The material is used in various parts of the construction in several series.
1a) Symalite™ replacing plywood – with foil
On the inside of the caravan or motorhome, the inner layer of the side wall construction, previously made of plywood, is replaced by Symalite™. This layer is covered with a white polypropylene (PP) foil. This application can be seen in Coral XL, Adora and Sun Living body models, among others.
1b) Symalite™ replacing plywood – with polyester
In terms of construction, the same applies as in application 1a, except that the Symalite™ is not covered with a layer of foil but with a thin layer of polyester fabric (PES). This feels a bit like felt and immediately gives a “warm” feeling. This application can be seen in Altea and Aviva Lite.
NB: PES is also used in the Adria Supertwin. This immediately gives this camper van a warmer look. Sounds are muffled and it also contributes to insulation, keeping the heat inside for longer.
Detailed photo of a window frame made from lightweight polyester fabric (PES). As used in Adria Supertwin, among others.
Supertwin interior with PES window frame and ceiling lining.
2) Symalite™ to reinforce the outer walls
In this case, a Symalite™ layer is applied in the sandwich construction between the polyester outer layer and the Styrofoam insulation layer. This gives the entire construction more strength and rigidity. Adria uses this application in the Astella models, which require extra reinforcement due to their dimensions.
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