Izopanel is a well-known brand in the construction market, especially in the context of sandwich panels. What were the beginnings of the company like and what prompted you to enter this market?

The history of our company dates back to 1992, when we noticed a growing demand for insulation materials in industrial construction. The decision to manufacture sandwich panels resulted from both market trends and the need to fill a niche in Poland. What is the standard today, i.e. advanced panels with different cores, was almost a manufaktura in the beginning. Our first panels were created by hand - glued together using metal facings and polystyrene. We took inspiration from western solutions, trying to adapt them to local conditions and available technologies. It was a challenging but exciting time building the foundations of our business.

Sandwich panels are Izopanel's key product. What distinguishes your products and what is their production process?

We specialise in the production of sandwich panels with different cores: polyurethane PIR, mineral wool and polystyrene. Each core type has its own application - for example, mineral wool provides the highest level of fire resistance, while PIR guarantees excellent thermal properties with minimal weight.
Production is continuous, which allows us to be highly efficient. We produce around 15,000 - 17,000 m² of panels per day, which are individually tailored to customers' needs. They can range from 2 m to 16 m in length (we have also realised an unusual order for 21 m) and structural details are taken into account. As a result, we can handle the largest projects, such as warehouse halls, as well as smaller, more complex developments. Customers appreciate us for our flexibility and comprehensive approach, including technical advice on projects.

Innovation seems to be an important part of your business. What new technologies have you implemented in recent years?

Since the company's inception, we have focused on technological development. One of our most important steps in this direction was the implementation of 3D printing technology, including the purchase of an advanced 3DGence F340 printer, which allowed us to prototype and create components for production lines.

3D printing was initially part of an EU-funded research and development project. Thanks to this technology, we were able to test various solutions, such as the shapes of dynamic mixers, pouring heads for polyurethane or adhesive distribution components. The biggest advantage was that we could quickly assemble the printed prototypes and check their operation in practice.

With the 3DGence F340 printer, we have introduced a significant optimisation in the production process. Previously, we used metal parts, which were expensive and time-consuming to produce. Now we can print a prototype in a matter of hours, which not only saves time, but also reduces costs.

What specific applications of 3D printing have made the biggest difference to your business?

One example is the adhesive applicators we use to fill the mineral wool core. Thanks to the F340 printer, we were able to design them in such a way that their internal shape facilitates mixing and increases the life of a single applicator, with a significant impact on the quality of the end product.

Another application was demonstration models of locks and panel elements, which made our salespeople's jobs easier. We created miniature models of the products, acting like 'lego blocks' - easy for the customer to assemble and understand. Previously, such demonstrations were difficult, especially when the customer did not have the opportunity to see the product live.

Spare parts for machines are also worth mentioning. We are able to design and print parts that are damaged and necessary for day-to-day operation, such as gears, seals or engine fan rebuilds that need to be replaced quickly.

Has 3D printing brought other benefits that you had not previously expected?

Definitely. When implementing 3D printing, we had a narrow range of expectations at the beginning - mainly prototyping and testing new solutions. However, it turned out that the F340 printer has become a tool for a much broader application.

For example, the TPU material, which seemed unusual at first, found its way into the creation of saw extractor housings on the production line. Metal housings were susceptible to damage, and with TPU we gained a flexible and durable solution. We also use TPU for gaskets, which has reduced costs.

What's more, 3D printing has helped us to be sustainable. We can test new components and make changes without generating a lot of waste or consuming raw materials, which fits in with our values of ecology and economy.

How do you see the future of 3D printing at Izopanel?

We see great potential in further integrating 3D printing into our production. We plan to develop this technology to design even more advanced sandwich panel components - for example, custom profiles or solutions dedicated to new market sectors such as modular construction.

3D printing allows us to test innovative ideas without a lot of financial risk, which opens up new possibilities for product development. With equipment such as the 3DGence F340, we can create solutions that were previously unattainable.

Finally, what do you consider to be the greatest success associated with the implementation of this technology?

The biggest success for us is the flexibility and speed we have achieved. With the 3DGence F340 printer, we can make design changes in hours rather than weeks. This has changed our approach to innovation - now we are not afraid to experiment and look for new solutions.

3D printing is also a tool that has revolutionised our daily work - from prototypes to machine components to finished products. This allows us to maintain our position in the market and deliver the highest quality products to our customers.

Thank you for the interview!

Thank you also. We are always happy to share our experience and hope that we inspire others to introduce modern technology into their businesses.


Krystian Lenz - Head of Implementation and Technology Development at Izopanel was interviewed by Karolina Bednarz.

The interview is available and was produced on the portal drukarki3d.co.uk