Megapanel System
Sto® Corp., an innovative provider of façade claddings, air barriers, coatings, and renovation systems, is empowering architects and designers with unprecedented creative freedom through recent advancements in its Sto Panel Technology® business. Sto Panel Technology produces fully engineered and tested prefabricated finished exterior megapanel systems, and is now introducing the versatility of 3D printing to its megapanels with StoPanel® 3DP powered by Branch Technology. Sto is also bringing megapanel walls and windows together in a more efficient and integrated way through a collaboration with Kawneer North America.
StoPanel 3DP delivers unprecedented three-dimensional design freedom for exterior walls. The megapanel system includes all the building envelope control layers integrated with a unique, fully customizable 3D-printed composite façade. The 3D component, called the Composite Core, is lightweight, structurally robust, and easy to install. Branch’s unique Cellular Fabrication 3D printing process gives designers and architects the ability to stretch the limits of their creativity. The technology enables StoPanel 3DP to create virtually any 3D shape or form at a large scale.
Sto Panel Technology’s collaboration with Kawneer North America has integrated windows and walls together in the manufacturing process, achieving greater efficiencies and improved safety on the job site. Kawneer window receptors are installed during the offsite production of the StoPanel megapanels.
In addition, Sto Panel Technology and Kawneer North America have conducted independent, third-party testing of the StoPanel with Kawneer windows and customized receptors. The testing covered air leakage resistance, dynamic water penetration resistance, and structural loading. The results showed no water penetration through the StoPanel or the window receptor and perimeter sealant assembly at a test pressure of 10.0 psf, while also meeting a design pressure (DP) rating of 40 psf. The system consisting of the StoPanel, Kawneer window and receptor installed in the StoPanel, and window perimeter sealant met the requirements for a 40 psf DP rating when tested in accordance with AAMA 1010. Sto and Kawneer North America are designing a system with a new high thermal window and receptor to meet more stringent codes.
