Honeycomb Vs. Aluminum Composite Panel: What's The Difference? | CCC

Two of the most popular ACP sheet models for the curtain wall sector are aluminum composite panel and honeycomb. But what are the differences between them? Which option is best? Though both sheets are similar visually, their internal composition is distinct.

Aluminum Composite Panel

These panels have a structure which consists of dual aluminum alloys which are thin and pressed. Their core is thermoplastic, and they are sometimes named sandwich panels thanks to their sandwich shape. The color displayed by aluminum panels is dependent on which surface coating is used.  It has number of desirable attributes, which include sound absorption, excellent rigidity, great strength, and a surface which is exceptionally flat, which makes it useful for things like decorations, cushions or partitions. It can also be used for the compartments of vehicles such as cars, trains or ships.

Honeycomb Panel

Honeycomb panels are also made from aluminum, with a design that resembles the hexagonal honeycomb made by bees. This structure enables the lower and upper aluminum alloy to connect to the core, which results in an I-beam formation. These panels also feature a fluorocarbon or polyester coating and are thus self-cleansing and rippling free, which makes them well suited to external panels. Polyester coating is preferable for internal wall panels.

Form Retention

Panels are now manufactured in accordance with a building’s design structure. In this regard, honeycomb panels have superior formability because they are simpler to shape for any project. Their sheets may be double curved, flat plate or single curved.

Weight

Though both panels are produced with similar materials, they are distinct when it comes to weight. The reason for this is due to the sheet design. Aluminum composite panels utilize layers LDPE or PE that consist of plastic that come with a thickness between 3mm and 8mm. Honeycomb on the other hand utilizes a core layer which is lighter and available in a thickness which ranges from 12mm to 25mm.

Formability

Honeycomb panels have a thickness which can range from as little as 6mm up to a maximum of 100mm depending on project needs. Its shape may also be formed into a flat plane or curved panel, but it has the advantage of not readily deforming afterwards.

Application

Aluminum composite panels are the best option for things such as facades, signage and wall cladding. They are also regularly used in furniture since their sheet gel functions well with wood or plywood, which gives bathroom and cabin fixtures their lovely appearance.

Honeycomb panel is better suited to intensive applications such as transportation, aerospace, construction, aviation or military projects. Its low density and structural stability makes it widely used in train bulkheads, car skins and rocket fairings.

Which Panel Option is best?

The answer to this question depends on the application. For vehicular parts such as cargo floors, cockpits, or door partitions, honeycomb panels are preferable due to their lower weight and better handling sensitivity for movable parts. Aluminum composite on the other hand is probably the best panel option for most construction projects but this rule is not universal.