When three quotes contain different information, comparing price and thickness can mislead. One document may give the material lambda, another the panel U-value and a third the complete-body K or U performance. These are not the same measurement; the buyer must write the question so the answers can be compared.
Prepare model, route and documentation questions alongside the selection steps in an Isotec TBX quotation.
Open four performance lines in the quote
Material lambda in W/(mK) describes heat conduction, panel U-value in W/(m²K) describes heat transfer through the panel, and complete-body K, also in W/(m²K), describes the system including lid, gasket, corners and joints. The BOE 2024 technical reference treats whole-body K through a geometric mean surface calculation. If a supplier gives whole-body U, do not rename it K; ask for its method and system boundary.
- material lambda and test standard
- panel U-value, thickness and joint construction
- complete-body K or U, including doors, gaskets and test arrangement
- report date, test model, dimensions and applicable document scope
A quote question you can copy
"Please state material lambda, panel U-value and complete-body K (or U with its method specified) separately, together with the test model, door and gasket arrangement, dimensions, method, report date and scope of any current document. If holding hours are requested, include the product band, load, starting condition, coolant and pack-out, ambient profile, lid-opening sequence, sensor positions and acceptance criterion in the same quote."
Holding hours require a separate protocol. A number of hours is not comparable by itself. Define the calculation or test with the product band, minimum and maximum load, starting condition, coolant and pack-out, hot and cold ambient profile, lid-opening sequence, waits, sensor positions and acceptance criterion. Do not rank two reports directly when their conditions differ.
Separate first-day performance from service life
An initial measurement describes its test arrangement. Panel impact, gasket wear, lid hardware, cleaning method, repair procedure and spare-parts access determine whether later performance can be maintained. Match the repairability description on the GEBHARDT Isotec TBX page to the quoted service steps.
| Comparison area | Evidence to request | Check question |
|---|---|---|
| Coefficient | Lambda, panel U, complete-body K (or U with its method specified) | Are the concept, unit and method the same? |
| Test | Model, dimensions, doors, method, report date | Do both reports represent the same setup? |
| Holding time | Product, load, coolant, ambient, opening sequence | Can the protocol be reproduced? |
| Service | Gasket, lid, panel repair, parts access | Who owns the post-damage process? |
| Document | Certificate or report scope | Does it cover this model and condition? |
Request the document or clarification for any missing field; do not assume similarly named numbers represent the same conditions. For TBX, collect product, quantity and route details using the selection guide. Aris Makina can help identify the relevant manufacturer documentation and quote scope.
