Sandwich panel core materials, manufacturing processes, and applications
The materials used in a sandwich composite panel consist of thin, lightweight composite laminate facings or skins, such as fiberglass or carbon fiber, and a lightweight, low-density core. These are bonded together in a variety of ways: single shot prepreg curing using a resin film adhesive, wet lay-up and vacuum bagged, or in a post process bonding application where cured composite skins are bonded to a core using a structural adhesive.
Sandwich cores are available in a wide range of materials including honeycomb, different types of foams, and lightweight woods, such as balsa. Sandwich composite panels have substantially increased bending strength and stiffness per given weight compared to solid composite plates.
They are ideal for a wide range of products in:
- home and building construction
- boat building
- aircraft
- aerospace craft
- windmills
- automobiles