Light Weight Nomex Panels

About Custom Panels with Honeycomb Nomex Cores

Nomex honeycomb is an aerospace-grade aramid fiber that is constructed from Nomex paper. This core material is coated with a heat resistant phenolic resin that will protect the panel. Its cell structure allows for expanded flexibility, which also makes it perfect for use in any space with strong radius curves.

Nomex is a registered trademark of E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company and are used with permission.

Common Applications

Here are some common applications for using Light weight Nomex panels:

  • Boat hulls
  • Ship panels
  • Train car panels
  • Special purpose panels
  • Ground transportation structures
  • Military shelters
  • Auto racing bodies
  • Ground antennas

These Nomex panels are available for various applications and can be form fitted to suit a variety of transportation aspects that go beyond ships for the Navy and Coast Guard. And due to their light weight, you will be saving money on cost and gain speed for the vessel.

Lightweight Nomex Floor Panel Features

Here are some of the common features exhibited from using lightweight Nomex panels.

  • coated with a heat resistant phenolic resin for extra protection
  • works great with a wide range of adhesives
  • moisture and corrosion resistant
  • exceptional fire ratings
  • over-expanded cell configuration that is suitable for forming simple curves
  • excellent fatigue stamina
  • thermally insulating
  • high strength to weight ratio
  • acoustical and vibration dampening
  • excellent mechanical properties
  • weight reduction for lower fuel consumption and higher payloads
  • densities as low as 2.0 LB/FT3
  • formable
  • easy to use
  • light weight, yet strong to the touch
  • lower costs per life cycle due to longevity
  • sustainable and recyclable

How Do Nomex Panels Compare to Aluminum or Steel?

Nomex panels offer their own distinct advantages when comparing against steel and aluminum. Let's quickly break down these three materials to see their differences.

The Materials

  • Nomex panels are made from Nomex paper, which consists of meta-aramid papers infused with thermosetting phenolic resin.
  • Aluminum panels consist of a honeycomb core that is made from aluminum.
  • Steel is steel and has more strength than aluminum.

Strength-to-Weight Ratio

  • Nomex panels have a high strength-to-weight ratio, which makes them ideal for instances where weight limits matter.
  • Aluminum honeycomb panels also have a high strength-to-weight ratio due to fact it is shaped like honeycomb.
  • Steel is the heaviest, but also the strongest.

Applications

  • Nomex panels are commonly used as interior panels for ships and aircraft, as well as in the aerospace industry and for solar structures and architectural endeavors.
  • Aluminum panels are used in the aerospace industry, as well as for architectural, ceiling and floor panels.
  • Steel is heavy, so wherever the application is for needs to be able to withstand that weight.

Benefits and Features

Nomex Panels

  • Low density & lightweight
  • Solid stability and will maintain structural integrity
  • Resistant to corrosion, which makes it suitable for harsh environments
  • Mechanical strength
  • Great flexibility and formable into 3D shapes
  • Good thermal insulation helps to regulate temperature

Aluminum Honeycomb Panels

  • Offer honeycomb-shaped core that is sandwiched between 2 thin, yet rigid face sheets
  • Significantly more lightweight compared to solid materials.
  • Corrosion resistant
  • Fire resistant
  • Great durability and weight-saving properties
  • Easy to machine and form
  • Elevated temperature performance

Steel Panels

  • Less malleable than aluminum, which makes more complex profiles more difficult to achieve.
  • Usually more expensive than aluminum
  • Stronger overall
  • More fire resistant without underlayment
  • Heavy gauge aluminum can be more costly than steel

Hopefully this breakdown displays the pros and cons of these three materials and how lightweight Nomex panels can differ from aluminum and steel.

Contact Us Today

Advanced Structures Corporation has years of experience in the industry and distributes all panels to clients nationwide. We are a trusted manufacturer of a wide array of marine joiner products, which includes light weight Nomex panels that are specifically made for those in the US Navy and Coast Guard. Request a quote today for the panels you need.

Request a Quote

When you reach out, we will gladly help you with any questions you may have about any of the products or materials. We are proud to be a leading developer and manufacturer of military joiner parts for US Naval and US Coast Guard applications.