Modern architecture changes especially when it comes to architectural metal curtain walls. Aluminum honeycomb panels, aluminum veneer, and aluminum plate are some of the decorative materials that these walls have. Two of the most common materials are the aluminum veneer and aluminum honeycomb panel.  However, what makes these two different from each other?

What is an Aluminum Honeycomb Panel？

The aluminum honeycomb panel is also known as plywood. Two aluminum plates comprise a honeycomb panel. These plates strongly adhere to a layer of aluminum honeycomb core material formed by pressing them hot. The aluminum honeycomb panel is one of the latest in green decorative materials that protects the ecological environment, saves resources, and is cost-effective through the years. This core utilizes hot-pressing technology and cold-pressing.

What is an Aluminum Composite Panel?

Aluminum composite panel is also known as the aluminum-plastic composite panel. The surface material is a chemically-treated coated aluminum plate and the core material is polyethylene plastic. The process of producing composite material is through continuous hot pressing. Aluminum composite panels are fireproof, resistant to acid and alkali, waterproof, insect-proof, stain resistant, friction resistant, sound insulation, easy cleaning, and heat insulation.

Aluminum Honeycomb vs Aluminum Composite: Applications

Various industries use aluminum honeycomb panels. These include billboards, shipbuilding, building curtain wall siding, indoor partitions, interior decoration, buses, high-speed rail, subway and rail transit vehicles. It is to be noted that the modern home furnishing industry has strict requirements which makes aluminum honeycomb panels the preferred choice of furniture processing materials. Aluminum honeycomb panels can also be diversified in compliance with important environmental protection procedures. Natural stone, wood materials, ceramics, and others can be manufactured into honeycomb panels.

Aluminum Composite Panel

This can be classified depending on its use and purpose. It can either be an indoor aluminum composite panel or an outdoor aluminum composite panel. Indoor aluminum panels are also known as interior wall panels. A polyester resin coating is generally roller-coated on the surface of aluminum panels. On the other hand, the outdoor is known as an exterior wall. The aluminum panel surface found in panels or curtain wall panels is coated with PVDF or polyvinylidene fluoride resin. This is also known as fluorocarbon coating. It is resistant to strong weather conditions and to chemical corrosion. It can also withstand extreme weather conditions.

Aluminum Honeycomb vs Aluminum Composite: Characteristics

Aluminum Honeycomb Panel

The two-layer composite material of an aluminum honeycomb panel is comprised of an aluminum honeycomb core material and surface material. Generally, it has the following unique characteristics:

It has a high specific strength, lightweight, and has high flexural rigidity. Its rigidity is 5 times more than that of aluminum alloys.

It is extremely stable to high temperatures and has high surface flatness. This makes it easy to form and difficult to deform. Aluminum honeycomb panels can be manufactured to either be flat panels and also hyperbolic and single-curved panels. This allows these panels to easily be assembled and disassembled after being made into vehicle parts.

Aluminum honeycomb panels are highly resistant to corrosion and have high insulation. It also has environmental adaptability which allows it to easily adapt to harsh operating environments of passenger cars and railway EMUs. Moreover, these kinds of panels can be treated with surface paste fireproof board and with surface painting to be resistant to fire and achieve good decoration.

The panel is resilient which allows it to absorb vibration energy which can greatly reduce noise and insulate sound.

In terms of fire standards, the smoke density is compliant with the international railway fire protection standards which allows it to have good self-extinguishing properties. It has low exothermic value that makes it form a refractory layer. This decreases the emitted smoke and toxic gases, eventually making it perform well in environmental practices.

It also follows an excellent molding and manufacturing process that follows the necessities of complex shapes and high stability of the internal parts of railway vehicles.

Differences Based on Properties

Difference In Weight

Although the panels are comprised of the same material, they differ in weight. The difference in their weight is brought about by the design of the sheet. The aluminum composite panel utilizes a layer of PE or LDPE which is made of plastic and at options from 3 mm to 8mm thickness. On the other hand, a honeycomb panel has a lighter layer made of plastic core which at options from 12 mm and 25 mm thickness.

Difference In Form Retention

There have been advancements in structural design with the use of cladding material as part of the changes. Currently, the shape of the panels is aligned with the design of the building structure. Aluminum honeycomb panels allow designs to be more unique.

Moreover, the design of the panels is easier to shape depending on the needs of the structure. The structure dictates the shape of the panels and panels can either be flat plates, single-curved panels, or double-curved panels. These panels also can retain their shape for a long time which allows the structure to have varied cladding designs.

Which Aluminum Wall Panel is Better?

With all the differences in properties of both materials, both are better in their ways. It just depends on the needs and applications that the structure needs.

Jixiang is one of the leading manufacturers in the aluminum composite panel industry. Our panels have undergone quality testing procedures that ensure you only get the best.