Larcore aluminium honeycomb panels are widely used in the marine and transport industry thanks to their properties of being strong but light in weight. However, their structural stability and lighter weight make them an ideal material to support solid surfaces, for example, to create kitchen worktops, bathroom vanities, retail counters and display units.
This blog explains the main benefits of Larcore aluminium honeycomb panels and their suitability for solid surfacing such as marble and granite for use in both domestic and commercial applications.
What are Larcore aluminium honeycomb panels?
Larcore aluminium honeycomb panels are a non-combustible rigid honeycomb panel, formed by bonding two aluminium skins and expanding them into a uniform hexagonal cell structure. The core is then cut to the required thickness and bonded between two face sheets to create a rigid panel. The enclosed air within the core improves thermal and acoustic performance, while the non-combustible nature of aluminium helps meet fire safety requirements.
The aluminium skins are coated with a primer suitable as a finished surface for further processing, including bonding and colour coating. This creates a resistant and hard-wearing finish ideal for harsh environments.
What are the benefits of aluminium honeycomb panels for solid surfacing applications?
Aluminium honeycomb panels are ideal for solid surfacing applications thanks to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. When the aluminium sheet is bonded to the honeycomb core stiffness is improved and the overall weight is reduced, creating a stronger panel which reduces stress on the supporting solid surfacing, making the materials easier to handle and install.
As aluminium honeycomb panels distribute loads evenly, it reduces stress points that can lead to cracking or joint failure. Aluminium honeycomb core panels perform well under impact as the core cells deform in a controlled manner, absorbing energy and reducing damage. In commercial environments where surfaces are subject to rigorous wear and tear, this rigidity improves durability and long-term performance.
Structural panels with antibacterial pre-treatments can also be used in healthcare environments and laboratories for enhanced hygiene control.
Aluminium is resistant to warping and does not absorb moisture. When paired with non-porous solid surface materials, the risk of swelling and distortion is further reduced, making aluminium honeycomb panels ideal for humid environments such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Aluminium panels for domestic applications
- Countertops: Traditional solid countertops are heavy and require structural support. Aluminium honeycomb panels offer a lightweight yet strong solution for kitchen countertops and interiors.
- Kitchen islands: Large kitchen islands and waterfall edges need structural stability. Aluminium honeycomb panels can reduce structural load while maintaining a premium finish.
- Bathrooms: Aluminium honeycomb panels are moisture-resistant and can be used in vanity tops and wall panels, as they do not warp in humid environments.
Aluminium panels for commercial applications
- Display counters: Reception desks, bar tops and counters often require large areas and durability to withstand knocks and constant use. Aluminium honeycomb panels provide the rigidity needed in high-traffic environments.
- Offices: Aluminium honeycomb panels can be used in wall panelling systems thanks to their lightweight structure, flat finish, high-quality aesthetic and easy installation.
- Healthcare: When paired with hygienic finishes, aluminium honeycomb panels can be used in furniture, worktops and wall cladding to deliver durable and easy-to-clean surfaces.
Are aluminium honeycomb panels available in different thicknesses?
Yes, our aluminium honeycomb panels come in a wide range of thicknesses, from 6mm up to 40mm. The standard sheet size we stock is 3120 x 1500mm, but if you need something more specific, we can help. We also offer an in-house cutting and CNC machining service, so panels can be tailored exactly to your project needs.
Can aluminium honeycomb panels be customised to my project?
Aluminium honeycomb panels are highly customisable and tailored based on panel size, skin thickness, core density and surface finishes. We offer a fabrication service, including structural bonding of additional finishes and extensive CNC machining and cutting.
With over 50 years’ experience in cutting, routing and shaping bespoke panels, we can advise customers on the most suitable materials, sizes and coatings for their specific applications. Our CNC capabilities mean we can easily machine Larcore aluminium honeycomb, up to 6250mm long, to bespoke sizes and shapes upon request. They are available in standard sheet sizes of 3120 x 1500mm, 1500 x 1000mm and 600 x 600mm.
We can accept customers’ own drawings and work with most file formats including DWG, DXF and SolidWorks.
Panel Systems is a proud supplier of Larcore aluminium honeycomb panels, produced by Alucoil, which is available directly from our factory in Sheffield.
For more information on aluminium honeycomb panels, contact us on 01909 771 285 or email sales@panelsystems.co.uk.
