You may have seen reefer trailers on the road transporting food. Do you wonder how these trailers manage to transport this food safely under well-controlled temperatures while still in motion? Today let’s talk about the container materials, an important part in deciding the functions of the trailers.
Container Outer Surface
Traditionally this part of a reefer trailer is made of aluminum alloy. It’s no doubt that aluminum is malleable and relatively lighter than other metals. While on the other hand, it would anyway make the container panel very heavy hence reduce your cargo carrying capacity. Another important caution to take with aluminum alloys is during maintenance and their lifespan. Aluminum containers have high repair costs since the welding process is quite demanding. Fiberglass is an alternative for aluminum alloys for this application. It is good at heat insulation and, at the same time, cost less and easy to use. Here are other reasons why fiberglass has found major applications in reefer trailers:
- The fiberglass material deflects moisture, provides an easy-to-clean surface, and is capable of keeping a smooth, attractive look for many years.
- Fiberglass outer surface for your trailer resists dents and scratches that would damage other materials and ruin the professional look you always want to keep.
- It is also perfect for doing great graphics as you would please hence enhancing the quality of your trailer.
- With fiberglass, you are assured of seamless glass board interior walls that are easy to maintain and clean. This gives you a professional work environment for your products and one that works for your team as well.
Heat Insulating Layer
Panels used in this part of reefer trailer containers are usually of a sandwich structure. The structure is simple and easy to produce. For example, the core can be polyurethane foam and the panel skin can be fiberglass. This provides great protection from the outside elements. The polyurethane foam ensures consistent density and uniform insulation throughout the entire floor. Thermal breaks at the door and the threshold also help in the minimization of infiltration and in keeping an even temperature all through the cargo section. Fully insulated walls, floors, and ceiling help to minimize any passive heat transfers and leaks that normally occur at joints and seams.