18 May 2005
Trespa Meteon delivers top performance
To ensure that product performance is properly measured and classified, new EN standards have been introduced for HPL panels. The new EN 438 standard, replaces the standards that were originally laid down in 1991, and it is more comprehensive than ever before – to keep pace with product development. Where the 1991 EN 438 standard only provided for interior applications, the new 2005 EN 438 is now divided into 7 parts, to reflect the various types of applications in which HPL panels are used.
The new EN 438 standard was developed and introduced by a specific CEN committee, consisting of industry specialists and technical experts representing the industry with a cross section of various nationalities from around Europe.
Exterior use
For the first time, EN 438 also addresses the use of HPL in exterior applications, reflecting the growing use of HPL panels in architectural cladding. The specific standard EN 438 part 6 has been developed for exterior use – such as in cladding. It describes the required resistance to UV radiation and overall weatherability.
In total, EN 438 part 6 recognises two levels of performance: “moderate”, for applications with medium term exposure and “severe” for applications with a long term exposure. Key requirements are highlighted in the table below. In summary, materials with severe performance level can be guaranteed not to lose their aesthetics or functionalities for at least 10 years, whilst products with moderate performance level achieve approximately half of this.
According to Chris van der Vorst, technology expert at Trespa International, the new standard is a welcome reflection of the progress made by the industry over the past 15 years: “Trespa has produced architectural HPL compact panels for exterior use (nowadays better known as Trespa Meteon) for more than 25 years. And especially in the last 10 years or so, their use has become wide-spread. It is for this reason that we are pleased to see the introduction of the new part 6 within the EN 438 – so that customers such as Architects, Designers and Specifiers can be sure of the weatherability and UV resistance performance of the panels they are selecting for their projects.”
Trespa Meteon is a flat architectural panel, based on thermosetting resins, homogeneously reinforced with wood fibres and manufactured under high pressure and at high temperatures, using proprietary Electron Beam Cured (EBC) technology. Panels have an integrated decorative surface and are highly suited for ventilated façade systems which combine innovative aesthetics with high insulation values and perfect building physics, contributing to a healthy indoor climate.
Trespa Meteon is extremely weather resistant. Sun, (acid) rain or moisture do not affect the panel’s decorative surface. Both UV resistance and colour stability are very high with a 4-5 classification on the International Grey Scale (ISO 105 A 02). Large or rapid temperature fluctuations from -20°C to +80°C do not affect the panel’s properties, stability or appearance. Trespa Meteon has been subjected to stringent Xenon testing and more than meets all requirements of European standard EN 438 - part 6.
Jörg Kaufung, Product Manager Exterior Products for Trespa International adds: “It is gratifying to see that Trespa Meteon panels score exceptionally well in EN 438 part 6 severe performance level. Our own performance requirements far exceed those of the new standard – so basically we are in a league of our own. And although we are sure that more stringent requirements will be included in future upgrades of EN 438, for now, we are proud to present our own test results alongside those of the current EN 438.”
Table: Weather resistance requirements according to EN 438 part 6
| Property | Unit | Requirement EN 438 moderate performance level | Requirement EN 438 severe performance level | Trespa Meteon |
| Resistance to UV light | Greyscale1 (ISO 105- A02 | No requiremen
Reader enquiriesTrespa International b.v.P.O. Box 110 6000 AC Weert Netherlands +31 495 458 353 P.Waterschoot@trespa.com Notes for editors
Trespa International, whose head office is in Weert, The Netherlands, specializes in producing high-quality panels for outdoor and indoor applications. Trespa has the expertise and resources in house to develop specific products for various market segments. In addition to their excellent functionality, Trespa products focus on providing the user with a broad range of design options. Related imagesFor the first time, EN 438 also addresses the use of HPL in exterior applications.
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