Expandable Polystyrene (EPS) insulation board

The insulation board is a rectangular prism-shaped piece made of rigid expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) (FRIGOCEL, 2014). EPS has a flame retardant that does not propagate flame. There are panel presentations which incorporate two galvanized steel poles (NOVIDESA, 2014).

The manufacturing process starts with raw materials reception (mainly EPS beads). The beads are subjected to an expansion process, subsequently a molding process is carried out and finally boards are cut into different sizes and thickness. It is possible to incorporate a metal frame to give extra support plate, in this case it is called insulating panel.

EPS boards or plates are installed as insulation in walls, and ceilings in order to isolate thermal and acoustically buildings (NOVIDESA, 2014). It supports drywall systems, paints and finishes like pastes without solvents. For the presentation without steel is recommended a metal deployed in surface for better anchorage (FRIGOCEL, 2014).

EPS beads are produced by two companies in Mexico, also ANIQ members: Styropek and IDESA.