DUSSELDORF CARAVAN SHOW: Printed panels coming

One of the emerging trends at this year's Dusseldorf Caravan Show is the use of eye catching, digitally printed alumininum body panels.

Previously if caravan manufacturers wanted to apply some eye-catching body graphics they had to resort to stickers. But the availability of the latest AluDesign pre-coated panels from French company Euromax, is creating limitless opportunities for RV manufacturers who want to keep ahead of the pack by creating a unique exterior look.

Probably the most startling example at the show is the new Adria Altea4Four caravan that allows buyers' imaginations to run wild with up to 29 colour and pattern combinations available.

Another early adoptee of AluDesign exterior wall panels is Kip Caravans. The 80-year-old Dutch manufacturer had one of its compact Shelter vans covered in an action-packed montage of adventure sport photos to demonstrate the possibilities.??

For an extra 1600 Euros (about $2200), Kip buyers can get any image they like printed on their van as long as it's provided in a suitably high quality format.

Kip also used the AluDesign technology in a more subtle way, applying some tasteful bespoke graphics on a special 80th anniversary model. ?

While none of these models are currently available in Australia, an example of AluDesign could be available soon on an Australian-built caravan, with Roadstar's Ken Nizam, who spoke with Euromax representatives at Dusseldorf, considering using it for a new range of entry-level Compass caravans.

Nizam was inspired to try it after wandering through the Hobby Caravans' display at the show and seeing a classy, white-on-grey compass image created by AluDesign on a front panel of one of the German manufacturer's luxury caravan models.

Because AluDesign is usually applied as the top layer of a composite ‘sandwich' panel, Nizam was considering buying the pre-printed sheets and getting a third party to create the finished panels, ready to be trimmed and assembled at his Epping, Victoria factory.

Euromax says aluminium panels up to 2mm thick and 10m x 2.6m in size can be digitally printed at its special Netherlands facility. Depending on the image, the resolution is “up to photographic quality” and offers “phenomenal contrast and depth”. ??

A clear top coat also ensures “optimal scratch and UV resistance” as well as a perfectly smooth, paint-like finish. ??

The technology was initially developed for outside applications in the architectural industry, so it's designed to take a beating from the elements, and is backed by a five year warranty.

Euromax RV sales manager, Julien Saura, said two of Europe's biggest caravan manufacturers, Germany's Knaus and Burstner were also using AluDesign on some models. ?Euromax has gone from one to six RV manufacturers using AluDesign in the space of a year, he said.

The company also produces a range of other impressive finishes that could be used in RV construction, including a polyester style coating for alloy interior panels that mimic natural materials in both colour and texture, such as frosty ice.

“More and more of our customers are searching for alternatives to plywood, the trend is for wood free structures,” Saura said. ??

Euromax has also developed new lightweight aluminium sheeting called ‘Stronglite' that's as strong as standard alloy but thinner and up to 30 per cent lighter.