Lightness, durability and flatness means alufoil honeycomb-cored panels are specified for architectural cladding in many forms. Decorative bonded skins involving marble, granite, untreated or anodised aluminium (in colours or uncoloured) or coil coated lacquers, etc. make these lightweight panels suitable for all types of building – commercial, industrial or domestic. The resulting weight economies lead to significant cuts in the load bearing structure and in foundation work. These can mean big reductions in the amounts of materials needed and the costs of construction. Honeycomb panels also add sound insulation properties to exterior cladding.
Honeycomb Structures
Aluminium foil demonstrates some distinct properties when used in the construction of honeycomb cored panels and structures. Sandwiched between aluminium sheets, the layers of alufoil, joined together and expanded into an open-celled honeycomb format, provide an extremely strong yet light core. The resulting panel out-performs competitive materials in strength to weight ratio and lightness, also in terms of rigidity and flatness under load.
The surfaces can be finished according to the needs of the application – aluminium alloys for aircraft components, metal tread plates for floor panels, marble or stone for interior décor, or external cladding, paint or plastics materials for displays or cabinet enclosures.
This material enables architects to lighten building structures and foundations, engineers to save weight in all types of transport – ships, planes, trucks and cars – due to the properties of the aluminium foil core materials.