A buyer’s guide to aluminium honeycomb panels: Exploring their uses and benefits

In this guide:

• The benefits of aluminium honeycomb composite panels – Read the key benefits of specifying aluminium honeycomb composite panels.
• Aluminium honeycomb panel applications – Read the different applications for aluminium honeycomb panels.
• Why choose Panel Systems? – Explore the benefits of using Panel Systems as your supplier of aluminium honeycomb panels.
• Frequently asked questions – We answer common queries on larcore aluminium honeycomb panels.

Larcore Aluminium honeycomb panels offer unmatched strength, durability, and versatility for diverse projects. Their unique honeycomb structure ensures dimensional stability under high stress. These panels offer excellent safety and energy efficiency. Customisable for a range of applications, you are able to choose the perfect match for your project. Another key factor that makes aluminium honeycomb panels a standout choice is their eco-friendly profile. Being recyclable, they contribute significantly to reducing environmental impact. By choosing these panels, you’re not only making a smart and cost-effective decision but also embracing sustainability.

The key benefits of aluminium honeycomb composite panels include the following:

Lightweight

These composite panels are prized for their extremely low weight without compromising on strength. The honeycomb structure means that in certain applications, these panels are up to 40 times stronger. Find out more about the benefits of lightweight panels here.

Rigidity

Despite being low in weight, the material used to create the panel core and the design of the honeycomb structure ensures that these panels are extremely rigid. The honeycomb structure effectively prevents deformation.

The high strength-to-weight ratio is among the highest of all honeycomb composite panels that are currently available. The material’s properties and connectivity of the cells provides increased stability and rigidity, making these honeycomb panels ideal for many high-specification industries. Read our guide to the applications for lightweight composite panels.

High compressive strength

Aluminium composite panels are known for having a high compressive strength, meaning that they have the capacity to bear higher weight loads than other materials. They also have extremely good impact resistance.

Find out how aluminium honeycomb panels are manufactured here.

Available in a variety of thicknesses

The cell size, thickness and weight ratio are easy to control, so panels are available in a variety of dimensions and configurations. Whether you are looking to increase strength or improve flexibility, we supply Larcore panels in various thicknesses between 6 & 40mm to suit your requirements. Contact us today to specify your panels.

Tolerance

Larcore aluminium honeycomb panels are available with a thickness tolerance as low as +/- 0.2mm for demanding applications.

Non-combustible A2 fire rating

Larcore aluminium honeycomb panels are lightweight, rigid and achieve to A2 against reaction to fire standard EN 13501-1. This rating signifies that the panels meet stringent safety standards and are suitable for use in fire-sensitive environments.

At Panel Systems, through our experience and industry knowledge, we are ideally placed to offer aluminium honeycomb composite panels for use in specific industries. Popular applications include:

Marine and Naval industry

Aluminium sandwich structures are being used to drastically reduce the weight of boats above the waterline, with the lightweight and non-combustible properties of honeycomb core panels perfect for the task are regularly used in cruise ships, yachts, ferries, offshore boats, and coast guard lifeboats.

Aviation industry

Honeycomb core materials are used in the aviation industry, as lightweight panels are an effective structural way to reduce weight and increase flight distance and payload. The aluminium honeycomb panels are also able to withstand the physical forces and heat related to extreme temperature fluctuations experienced during high-speed, high-altitude flights.

Aluminium honeycomb core panels are becoming critical in the building of everything from propellers to aircraft fit-outs and on-board equipment. Contact us today to find out more.

Trucks, buses, and trains: sustainable solutions for modern mobility

The modern transport industry demands the implementation of sustainable and economic materials that are recyclable, lightweight, and stable. Due to the lightweight construction of these panels they achieve the perfect balance between weight, rigidity and fireproofing classification being an ideal material for the manufacturing of transport and industrial components.

Elevators

The high rigidity and even surface of honeycomb panels makes them an ideal option for elevator cladding. The panels can be easily incorporated with a variety of mounting systems for quick and easy installation.

Clean rooms

Since these panels are flat, decorative, and easy to clean, they are ideal for use within ceilings and walls of clean rooms. The panels can be left with their natural finish or can be colour coated to create the ideal interior design.

Our specialist knowledge of aluminium honeycomb cores and panels, combined with our extensive understanding of materials and panels allows us to provide our customers with many composite sandwich panel options.

Our team are also able to offer:

• In-house professional CAD design service.
• The capability required to manage both large and highly bespoke projects.
• We have been operating for many years, so we can provide the longevity and reliability of our service.
• We can supply full sheets and also offer a cut to size or CNC machined service.
• Our expertise and knowledge are highly regarded within the industry.

Whatever service you require, we guarantee to offer you high-quality panels with punctual delivery and competitive prices. To find out more about honeycomb sandwich panels, please contact our team today.

How does an aluminium honeycomb panel achieve its strength?

An aluminium honeycomb panel achieves its strength through a sandwiched structure comprising two thin aluminium face sheets bonded to a lightweight honeycomb core. The honeycomb core design provides a high strength-to-weight ratio by distributing loads evenly, preventing localised damage. The face sheets, made of aluminium, contribute to the overall structural integrity. The combination of the honeycomb’s inherent stability and strength of aluminium creates a lightweight yet robust panel that is capable of withstanding significant pressure and maintaining its shape under various conditions.

What are the main properties of Larcore honeycomb panels?

The main properties of the Larcore aluminium panels are:

• High rigidity.
• Lightweight. Read more about lightweight panel cores.
• Flatness.
• Compressive strength.
• Easy machining.
• Good behaviour to fire and smoke.

Can aluminium honeycomb panels be customised?

Yes, aluminium honeycomb panels can be customised in terms of size, thickness, colour, and surface finishes to meet specific project requirements.

What is an aluminium honeycomb panel?

Aluminium honeycomb panels are sandwich-structured composite panels that consist of two thin aluminium sheets with a lightweight honeycomb core material. The honeycomb core provides strength and rigidity while keeping the overall panel weight low. Find out more about how aluminium honeycomb panels are manufactured here.

Are aluminium honeycomb panels environmentally friendly?

Aluminium is highly recyclable, making these panels environmentally friendly. Recycling aluminium requires less energy compared to producing new aluminium, reducing the overall environmental impact. Find out more about our accreditations here.

The Panel Systems staff have extensive knowledge and experience across a wide range of industries and materials. Whatever stage of the process you are at, we can help you to deliver your material on time and to the correct specifications. Contact us today to specify your Larcore aluminium honeycomb panels.

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