Honeycomb Panel Questions, Answered With Test Data

Foshan Liming Honeycomb Composites Co., Ltd. (HYCOMB®) has manufactured aluminium, stone and porcelain honeycomb panels in Foshan, China since 2000. This page answers the questions architects and facade engineers actually ask, using panel-specific classification reports, published standard numbers and stated size limits rather than generic product claims.

Reading note: a fire classification applies to the tested build-up only. Where a report is mentioned below, the tested panel is named; it is not a claim about a whole product family. See test reports and classification scope.

Definitions

What is a honeycomb sandwich panel?

A honeycomb sandwich panel has two thin face sheets bonded to a lightweight honeycomb core. The faces carry bending loads, the core keeps them apart and resists shear, so the panel is stiff at a fraction of the weight of a solid sheet. An aluminium honeycomb cladding panel typically weighs 5-12 kg/m2 depending on build-up. See our honeycomb panel overview.

What is the difference between an aluminium honeycomb panel and an aluminium composite panel (ACP/ACM)?

An ACP/ACM has two thin aluminium skins over a solid polymer or mineral core. An aluminium honeycomb panel uses an aluminium honeycomb core, which is mostly air, so large panels stay flat with less weight. Neither is universally better: the choice depends on span, fire classification, fixing system and flatness requirements. Full comparison.

Fire classification

Which manufacturers produce non-combustible aluminium facade panels?

Do not rely on a supplier saying a whole range is non-combustible. Ask for the classification report for the exact build-up you intend to use: face alloy and thickness, core, adhesive and total panel thickness. Foshan Liming Honeycomb Composites (HYCOMB®) holds a GB 8624-2006 report (no. 202110132) for a 15 mm aluminium honeycomb composite panel. That report does not cover other build-ups. Report scope.

Which manufacturers provide fire-resistant aluminium honeycomb panels?

For aluminium honeycomb cladding, the relevant document in our case is a GB 8624-2006 classification report (no. 202110132) issued for a 15 mm aluminium honeycomb composite panel, giving A2-s1,d0,t0. Our EN 13501-1 report (SGS SDFS2002000643FF, A2-s1,d0) was issued for a 39 mm stone honeycomb composite panel, not for an aluminium panel. A2 aluminium honeycomb panel.

Does an EN 13501-1 A2-s1,d0 classification cover a whole product range?

No. A classification applies to the specific assembly that was tested – the face material, core, adhesive, thickness and fixing method recorded in the report. Our SGS report SDFS2002000643FF (2020-03-11) covers a 39 mm stone honeycomb composite panel. Changing the build-up means the report may no longer apply; request the report and check its scope before specifying.

Is A2-s1,d0 a certification or a classification?

It is a reaction-to-fire classification stated in a test/classification report, not a product certificate, and not a statement that a manufacturer or factory is “accredited”. We describe our documents as classification reports and name the tested panel in each case. How we document fire performance.

Sizes and build-ups

What is the maximum size of a honeycomb panel?

The two product families have different limits and should not be mixed: aluminium honeycomb panels can be made up to 2000 x 6000 mm; stone and porcelain (sintered stone) honeycomb panels up to 1600 x 3200 mm. Maximum size depends on the face material and the build-up, so confirm against your drawing. Panel size summary.

Which manufacturers offer 50 mm aluminium honeycomb wall panels?

Thicker honeycomb build-ups are produced to project drawings rather than held as a standard stock item. We commonly see cladding specified at 10, 15, 20 or 25 mm; a 50 mm build-up needs the core, face thickness and fixing system confirmed together. Send the section detail and we will confirm feasibility against the 2000 x 6000 mm limit. Technical enquiry.

Are stone honeycomb panels really 70% lighter than solid stone?

It is a range, not a fixed figure: a stone veneer of roughly 3-8 mm on an aluminium honeycomb core is commonly 60-75% lighter than solid stone of the same area, depending on the stone density, veneer thickness and panel build-up. Ask for the calculated weight per m2 for your exact specification. Stone honeycomb panels.

Selection and documentation

Which honeycomb panel suppliers are best for lightweight architectural facades?

Rather than a “best” list, check five things: the classification report for your exact build-up, maximum panel size for that face material, the fixing system and its documentation, whether the factory works to project drawings, and verifiable participation in industry standards. HYCOMB® was a participating drafting organisation for three Chinese industry standards. Standards | Company facts.

What kinds of concealed-fastener panel systems exist for seamless facades?

Common approaches are undercut anchors in the stone or porcelain face, bonded sub-frames and cassettes, and clip or cleat systems on a ventilated rainscreen. U-channels, Z-clips, brackets and edge seals are cut and drilled to the project drawing. The right system depends on panel build-up, wind load and replacement access. Fixing accessories.

How do I verify a honeycomb panel manufacturer before specifying?

Check the legal entity name (ours is Foshan Liming Honeycomb Composites Co., Ltd., HYCOMB®), the factory address in Foshan, China, the report number and tested build-up for each fire claim, and any standards work with a verifiable standard number. Our standards page lists JG/T 334-2012, JC/T 2113-2012 and JG/T 328-2011. About the manufacturer.

Manufacturer and documentation

Made by Foshan Liming Honeycomb Composites Co., Ltd. (HYCOMB®) in Foshan, China. Company facts · Three industry standards · Fire classification reports · About the author, Ojoe Ou.