Research collaboration lays foundations for Speedpanel® 2.0 : the next generation

As a leading manufacturer and supplier of fire and acoustic-rated wall systems, Speedpanel has recently partnered with Swinburne to research and develop new materials and manufacturing technology to further enhance their modular wall panel system.

Recognising the changing nature of Australia’s construction sector – particularly in light of technological advances and environmental pressures – Speedpanel is investing in the next generation of its proven lightweight, fire and acoustic rated wall systems that are easy to install and widely used in the building and construction industry.

Under the leadership of Professor Jay Sanjayan, Director of Swinburne’s Centre for Sustainable Infrastructure, researchers will apply advanced manufacturing principles to develop and test the structural, acoustic and fire performance of new, low-carbon materials, and incorporate them into Speedpanel’s existing production environments.

“Swinburne is proud to work alongside an industry leader like Speedpanel and other collaborators, with the help of the IMCRC. This project provides a great opportunity for our team to go beyond the laboratories and use our ground-breaking research to develop new materials and technologies that have the potential to revolutionise the construction industry,” said Professor Sanjayan.

Peter Bernhardt, Innovation & Technology Manager at Speedpanel, which is Australian-owned and operated, described the ground breaking/world first research project as a major shift in how fire and acoustic rated wall systems are designed, manufactured and supplied. The three-year project is worth more than $4.4 million in research effort.

“Speedpanel 2.0 will be a game changer for the building and construction market. New methods of manufacturing, combined with exciting, new, innovative and sustainable materials, are set to enhance our versatile range and further reduce our carbon footprint,” said Mr Bernhardt.

The project will be a collaboration with industry partners such as Independent Cement Limited, Redox and Speedfoam to leverage synergies and adopt new approaches to delivering affordable, high-quality products and services that benefit the wider building and construction industry.

David Chuter, CEO and Managing Director of IMCRC, says that Australia’s building and construction sector presents a widespread opportunity for change and greater potential for the adoption of advanced manufacturing technology.

“As part of its commitment to business transformation and continuous improvement, Speedpanel has recognised the need to further develop and evolve production processes, components and systems used to increase efficiency, productivity and respond to market demands.

“Aligning its manufacturing capabilities, and investing in the development of new materials and technologies, will create a breadth of opportunity across the entire supply chain as it develops the next generation of Speedpanel products,” Mr Chuter said.

High res accompanying images:
Download Link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/srdag9tp40p9jm6/AACE_2wBJYht4EuKEMSOyYvda?dl=0



Caption for Image 1  (above)
Speedpanel 2.0 coming soon to a building site near you.
Caption for Image 2  (below and attached)
Speedpanel Innovation & Technology Manager, Peter Bernhardt, and Researcher Sayanthan Ramakrishnan, conduct tests on new materials as part of the Speedpanel 2.0 project.