As the name implies, honeycomb materials resemble the structure of beehives. This unique material is an excellent solution for various applications.
Honeycomb production requires multiple steps — a combination of expansion, corrugation, and molding. Also, because less metal is needed to produce honeycomb than solid products, the process is relatively inexpensive.
Honeycomb is most commonly used as the center of sandwich-structure composites, wherein the honeycomb is sandwiched between two thin panels of material. This sandwich form effectively combines the light-weight and high-strength qualities of honeycomb — both of which are essential for the aerospace industry — with the smooth, flat surfaces of the panels to allow for easy installation. The panels also eliminate openings and unwanted airflow.
Honeycomb can be designed and produced with any number of cell shapes, sizes, and configurations. From added flexibility to high strength, any specification can be accommodated with the proper honeycomb design.