Common Core Materials

PortaFab has the equipment, technology, and experience to process nearly all of the commonly used core materials for composite panels.

The following chart highlights some of the main characteristics of our primary core materials. Other core materials include mineral insulation board, fiberglass, plywood, hardboard, and gypsum.

 

Honeycomb Cores
CharacteristicKraft PaperAluminumPolypropyleneNomex™
WeightMed-LowMed-LowMediumMedium
StrengthGoodExcellentFairVery Good
Fire ResistancePoorExcellentPoorExcellent
Thermal ControlVery GoodPoorGoodVery Good
Sound ControlFairPoorVery GoodFair
Impact ResistancePoorPoorExcellentGood
Moisture ResistancePoorExcellentExcellentExcellent
CostLowMediumMediumHigh

 

Foam Cores
CharacteristicPolystyrenePolyisocyanuratePolyurethane
WeightVery LowMed-LowMed-High
StrengthPoorPoorVery Good
Fire ResistancePoorExcellentGood
Thermal ControlVery GoodVery GoodExcellent
Sound ControlFairFairExcellent
Impact ResistanceFairPoorVery Good
Moisture ResistancePoorFairVery Good
CostVery LowMed-LowMed-High