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What are the mechanical properties of Larcore Aluminium Honeycomb panels?

From railways to marine environments and architectural structures, it is the mechanical properties that make Larcore aluminium honeycomb panels suitable for a wide range of applications.

In this article, we will take a closer look at exactly what these properties are, why the aluminium honeycomb panels are beneficial and how they can be used.

Introduction

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What are Larcore Aluminium Honeycomb Panels?

Larcore aluminium honeycomb panels are a type of aluminium composite panel that are intended for use within transport and industry. They are a lightweight sandwich panel solution that can be used in rail transport, ships, lifts, aircraft and buses. The structure of the aluminium honeycomb panel is designed to be very lightweight and rigid, and that makes it suitable for so many applications in various sectors.

The Larcore honeycomb panels we supply at Panel Systems are now available with a two-part acrylic painted surface, providing a durable finish perfect for harsher environments. You can find out more about the uses and benefits of aluminium honeycomb panels here.

Environmental Sustainability of Larcore Panels

The environmental sustainability of Larcore aluminium honeycomb panels is important for eco-conscious businesses. The primary component, aluminium, is 100% recyclable without any loss in quality, making it an ideal material for organisations focused on processes with low environmental impact.

Their lightweight nature not only leads to lower transportation emissions, but also translates to energy efficiency in applications across various industries. By opting for these panels, companies can align their projects with sustainability goals, enhancing their reputation while promoting responsible practices in construction and design. Thus, Larcore aluminium honeycomb panels stand out not just for their mechanical properties, but also for their commitment to a more sustainable future. Find out more about the manufacturing process of aluminium honeycomb panels here.

In the next section, we will take a look at all of the mechanical properties of Larcore panels which make them a market-leading product.

What are the Mechanical Properties of Larcore Panels?

Larcore aluminium honeycomb panels have a wide range of mechanical properties which make them perfect for a wide range of applications.

Support compressive loads and tension

Larcore aluminium panels can be referred to as sandwich panels or composite panels, consisting of two thin skins or sheets of aluminium which enclose an aluminium honeycomb core. This structure gives Larcore aluminium panels the ability to support compressive loads and tension – an important feature for fulfilling a broad variety of roles in construction from lifts to lorries, trains and buses in the transport system, clean rooms in fabrication plants, and in aeroplanes.

Stiffness and strength

Stiffness and strength are two other key properties that allow Larcore aluminium honeycomb panels to serve more purposes; carrying more weight and offering a long working life.

Low weight

Another much-valued quality of an aluminium honeycomb panel is their significantly low weight. The key to this low weight is that it does not have a negative impact on the strength of the product. It is true that the honeycomb structure is not the lightest on the market, but with their relatively low weight, the panels are proven to be much stronger than other panels.

Rigidity

The light weight of a honeycomb panel doesn’t result in a compromise on rigidity either. It is thanks to the honeycomb structure that this rigidity can be achieved, and it is this impressive strength-to-weight ratio that makes the product a market leader, offering the necessary rigidity and stability that is required in high-specification industries.

Flatness

Larcore aluminium panels are noted for their exceptional level of flatness, and this is valued when they are being used in a number of different industries. This flatness is achieved thanks to the continuous manufacturing process and the material used in production.

Recyclable

Larcore aluminium honeycomb panels are made from aluminium, which makes them completely recyclable. Not only can being recyclable fit with the corporate social responsibility agendas of organisations of different sizes, but it can also offer the possibility of reduced overheads on wastage.

Explore our advice hub on lightweight, composite and honeycomb panels here.

What do These Properties Make the Panels Suitable For?

The mechanical properties of Larcore aluminium honeycomb panels make them suitable for particular applications include:

Marine applications

Minimising the weight of ships above the waterline can have a number of advantages, both in terms of safety and shortening the duration of journeys. The aluminium sandwich composition of Larcore honeycomb panels makes them perfect for this.

In addition to being lightweight, Larcore is made from non-combustible materials, which is another benefit in marine environments. They are also corrosion and moisture resistant, another key facet in marine settings to prevent the growth of fungi and mould on a vessel.

All of these qualities make Larcore aluminium honeycomb panels a favoured option in the construction of ships; from cruise ships to lifeboats, ferries and yachts.

Aircraft

Another sector in which it is beneficial to reduce load is aviation. This is where Larcore panels are advantageous, with their combination of light weight and rigidity proving a winner in the creation of aircraft furniture and linings.

Bespoke furniture manufacturers

With a range of benefits including light weight and rigidity, it naturally follows that Larcore panels can also prove their worth in the production of bespoke furniture; offering performance and versatility. The adaptable nature of the product means that it can also be used for a base material to support stone, granite and ceramic facing materials for worktops and furniture.

Why Choose Panel Systems as a Supplier?

So, why should you select Panel Systems as a supplier of Larcore aluminium honeycomb core panels? There are several reasons why we are the preferred choice of many organisations:

  • In-house CNC machine team and equipment: Our in-house team of experts have years of experience and offer the advantage of a CAD design service. Thanks to our on-site CNC machines, we can bring projects to life easily and to a high quality.
  • Ability to handle large and bespoke orders: Panel Systems possesses the capability needed to take on large or highly bespoke projects.
  • Experts in materials: Our knowledge and expertise mean that we have built an enviable reputation within the industry. When it comes to materials, including aluminium honeycomb cores and panels, you can rely on Panel Systems.
  • Longevity of service: We have been supplying fabricated products to a wide range of industries since 1974. You can take peace of mind from our decades in the industry and the proven reliability of the service which we provide.

To find out more about how Panel Systems can help by supplying Larcore aluminium panels, please contact our team of experts today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Larcore panels compare to traditional building materials?

The main advantages of Larcore panels when compared to other traditional materials are their standout lightweight feature, which can reduce transportation costs and the overall weight of a structure. They also have a higher strength-to-weight ratio than most other materials, and are much more fire resistant and energy efficient.

How does an aluminium honeycomb panel achieve its strength?

Aluminium honeycomb panels achieve their strength through their unique structure. The honeycomb design consists of a core material with a hexagonal pattern, similar to the shape of a honeycomb.

This structure provides excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making the panel lightweight yet strong. The core material is typically made of aluminium, which adds to the overall strength of the panel.

Additionally, the bonding between the core material and the facing material (aluminium sheets) also contributes to its strength by distributing loads evenly across the panel. This combination of materials and design results in an aluminium honeycomb panel that is durable, rigid, and suitable for various applications requiring high strength and light weight.

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Get in touch to find out more about pricing, or to discuss your requirements in more detail.

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