3003 aluminum honeycomb core is widely used in building decoration, industrial cladding, and logistics compartments for its good formability, structural stability, and cost efficiency. Compared to high-magnesium aviation-grade cores like 5052 and 5056, it offers adequate strength for standard applications while excelling in flexibility and affordability—ideal for projects with moderate strength demands.
Chalco provides 3003 aluminum honeycomb core products in various specifications and structural forms, supporting customized cutting, preforming, punching and surface treatment. They are widely used in medium-strength sandwich systems such as curtain wall decorative panels, door core panels, ventilation grilles, exhibition structures, equipment guard plates, and car linings.
Chalco 3003 aluminum honeycomb core parameters overview
To meet the design requirements of various industrial structures and decorative interlayers, Chalco provides 3003 aluminum honeycomb core materials in a variety of specifications, which can be delivered in expanded or unexpanded states. It supports customized side length, core thickness, flute thickness and density parameters, and can provide value-added services such as surface treatment, batch consistency testing and pre-cut block structures on demand.
| Size range and tolerance | |||
| project | Standard | Maximum | Tolerance |
| Ribbon direction (L) | 48 / 1219 | 100 / 2540 | +2.0 / -0.0 in +50.8 / -0.0 mm |
| Transverse direction (W) | 96 / 2438 | 144 / 3658 | +4.0 / -0.0 in +101.6 / -0.0 mm |
| Thickness Range and Tolerance | |
| parameter | Numeric |
| Maximum expansion thickness | ≤ 35 in / 889 mm |
| Tolerance (T ≤ 4") | ±0.005 in / ±0.127 mm |
| Tolerance (T > 4") | ±0.062 in / ±1.575 mm |
Common standard board specifications (can be cut to size): 48" × 96" (1220 × 2440 mm) ; 48" × 120" (1220 × 3050 mm) ; 48" × 144" (1220 × 3660 mm) ; 24" × 96" ( 610 × 2440 mm ); 36" × 96 ” (915 × 2440 mm) ; 60" × 120" (1524 × 3050 mm)
Suitable for decorative curtain walls, door core panels, display rack structures, ventilation system panels and other industrial sandwich applications. If you need special-shaped or block-shaped structural parts, you can customize the cutting according to the drawing. Quick Quote
- Standard temper: 3003-H18 medium-strength hard aluminum foil, uniform structure, stable performance, good formability and processing adaptability
- Delivery form: Unexpanded, expanded and pre-cut blocks are available, supporting fixed length and width processing according to drawings, facilitating panel lamination and structural installation
- Surface state: Support bare foil delivery, anodizing, pre-coating process compatible treatment, perforation and other customization needs
- Engineering drawing support: CAD drawings and sample analysis are acceptable to assist customers in confirming the connection method and matching structural dimensions
- Consistency test data: can provide side length error, thickness tolerance, batch density, mechanical properties and other test reports; jump to view [Technical Parameters Detailed Explanation]
- Quality system and compliance assurance: Passed ISO 9001, RoHS / REACH, GB/T 19001 and other certifications, supporting industrial batch project supply management ...
Chalco 3003 honeycomb core patented product type
In order to meet the needs of complex sandwich structures, nonlinear surfaces and special functionalities, Chalco has developed a variety of special structural types based on 3003 aluminum alloy honeycomb core materials, which are widely used in aerospace precision structural parts, aircraft auxiliary system sandwiches, cabin buffer modules and high-performance composite structures.
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3003 STD Standard Configuration Honeycomb Core
Equilateral hexagonal arrangement, balanced compression and shear performance; suitable for decorative panels, lightweight wall interlayers, door panel core filling, advertising display panel structure, etc.
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3003 (cut hexagonal honeycomb structure R2) honeycomb core
Transverse cutting design enhances unidirectional shearing performance; suitable for logistics carriage panels, equipment side protection structures, and rail vehicle cabin panels
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3003 reinforced staggered cut structure 2R2S honeycomb core
The staggered stacking structure has stronger energy absorption capacity; it is suitable for compression-resistant filling bodies, buffer panels, vibration isolation foundation cushions, etc.
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3003 multi-axis staggered honeycomb structure R2S honeycomb core
Multi-directional enhanced arrangement improves multi-axis load-bearing capacity; suitable for irregular support components, large-area composite panel bases, and multi-dimensional load-bearing structures
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3003 Bendable Honeycomb Core
Medium to low density; bendable without preforming, ideal for on-site lamination or small batches.
Material Advantages: 3003 alloy offers better ductility, reduced edge cracking and warping, easier assembly.
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3003 Block Form Core
Core thickness ≥150mm, with good vertical support and buffering energy absorption capacity, can be used as a filling block or supporting cushion
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3003 Perforated Honeycomb Core
Regular perforation treatment is performed on the corrugated sheet to improve air circulation and heat conduction capabilities and reduce pressure fluctuations in the cabin
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Decorative Composite Core
High flatness, good bonding performance, can be combined with a variety of finishing materials (aluminum plate, wood veneer, stone, etc.) to form a lightweight composite decorative board
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3003 Spot Welded Aluminum Honeycomb Core
Made from 3003-H18 aluminum foil via spot welding, it offers uniform structure and moderate strength, ideal for medium-strength sandwich systems like industrial panels and equipment housings. Stable welds, no glue residue, and compatible with hot pressing and anodizing, offering high cost efficiency and flexible processing.
In order to meet the requirements of different structural spaces, mechanical properties and process forming, 3003 honeycomb core materials can provide a variety of product forms and a variety of unit structure types of honeycomb cores to adapt to a variety of complex application environments and performance requirements.
To view the characteristics and selection recommendations of various honeycomb structures, please jump to [Honeycomb Core Structure Selection Guide] Or [Quick Quote]
Analysis of the performance advantages of 3003 honeycomb core materials
As an economical sandwich structure material, 3003 aluminum honeycomb core material is widely used in architectural decoration, industrial equipment covering, logistics packaging and rail transit interior decoration due to its excellent forming performance, stable structural performance and high cost-effectiveness. Compared with high magnesium alloy honeycomb core (such as 5052, 5056), 3003 is more suitable for projects with moderate strength requirements but more sensitive to material ductility, processing efficiency and budget control.
Excellent forming performance: Aluminum-manganese materials have good ductility and are suitable for complex processing such as expansion, bending, and molding, without cracking or warping on the edges.
High cost performance: The cost is lower than 5052 and 5056, suitable for large area use, and reduces the overall structural cost.
Dimensionally stable: The honeycomb is evenly expanded with low warping, which facilitates the composite and precise assembly of large-size panels.
Multi-process compatibility: supports anodizing, spraying, and electrophoresis treatment, and is suitable for aluminum plates, wood trim, glass fiber and other types of surface materials.
Multi-structure support: can be processed into STD, R2, block, pre-bend, punching and other forms to meet different structural design requirements.
Chalco 3003 honeycomb core material processing and supply capabilities
In order to meet the requirements of dimensional stability, processing flexibility and delivery efficiency of honeycomb core materials in the fields of architectural decoration, industrial structural parts, rail transit interior decoration, etc., Chalco has established an integrated processing and supply system covering aluminum foil preparation → honeycomb forming → post-processing → packaging and delivery. Relying on the good ductility and cost-effectiveness of 3003 alloy, it supports a variety of structural forms and mass customized production, and is suitable for a variety of sandwich panel systems.
Processing service capabilities
Expansion: Supports standard expansion and directional expansion control to ensure the core is flat and the structure is uniform
Precision cutting: can be cut to a fixed length and width according to customer drawings, suitable for large board assembly or special-shaped processing
Pre-forming processing: mold pre-bending, partial bending and other processing can be performed to adapt to three-dimensional curved decorative parts and covering structures
Perforation treatment: Supports perforation of honeycomb surface for functional design such as heat exchange, ventilation, sound insulation, etc.
Thick core composite: multi-layer honeycomb composite realizes thick structure, suitable for cushioning, thermal insulation, support and other applications
Surface treatment package
Anodizing treatment: Enhances corrosion resistance, improves adhesive interface bonding strength, and is suitable for composite panel systems
Surface cleaning and sealing: Improve the stability of interface adhesion, suitable for large-scale decorative panels, door core panels, etc.
Surface coating compatibility: supports spraying, electrophoresis, lamination and other pre-treatment preparations, suitable for industrial and construction use scenarios
Supply capacity and support
Delivery status:
- Unexpanded state: convenient for transportation and self-expanding by customers
- Expanded state: can be directly used for composite structure assembly
- Pre-cut modules: suitable for panel lamination and batch processing production lines
Packaging: Industrial strong protective corrugated box + positioning foam partition + anti-oxidation vacuum film, support export wooden box reinforcement
Delivery control: conventional specifications can be delivered within 7-10 working days at the earliest, and the delivery time of complex structures can be evaluated and confirmed
Certification and documentation: density test, side length/thickness test report, anodizing record, batch traceability information can be attached
Chalco offers integrated honeycomb core services from raw material to molding and assembly, aligned with the production rhythm of complex aerospace structures. We also provide related products to support one-stop sandwich structure solutions. Submit your drawings or requirements for technical support and quotations. Quick Quote
Chalco 3003 honeycomb core material application cooperation areas
With good ductility, processing adaptability and cost-effectiveness, Chalco 3003 honeycomb core material is widely used in a variety of medium-strength sandwich structure systems, covering architectural decoration, industrial equipment, transportation, logistics and other fields. The following are typical cooperative industries and recommended application structures:
Building curtain wall and interior decoration system
- Application areas: building exterior wall panels, metal ceilings, elevator car panels, curved decorative panels
- Recommended structures: STD structural honeycomb core, preformed curved honeycomb core, decorative composite core material
- Cooperation value: Lightweight and high flatness, suitable for surface processes such as anodizing, laminating, and spraying
Industrial equipment covering and protective structure
- Application areas: equipment housing, thermal insulation panels, operating table tops, workstation enclosures
- Recommended structure: STD/R2 structure, block honeycomb core, perforated breathable core material
- Cooperation value: Dimensionally stable, impact-resistant, and supports large-size modular delivery
Vehicle exterior/interior decration and box structure
- Application areas: rail transit carriage inner wall, logistics carriage wall panel, lightweight carriage core filling
- Recommended structures: bendable honeycomb core, R2 structure honeycomb core, pre-cut module honeycomb panel
- Cooperation value: good lightweight support and thermal insulation effect, convenient for batch lamination
Packaging buffer and logistics pallet system
- Application areas: Equipment transportation cushion, compression-resistant structural filling blocks, disposable sandwich packaging
- Recommended structures: block honeycomb core, perforated structure core, 2R2S energy-absorbing core material
- Cooperation value: high buffer strength ratio, support thick core structure and shaped cutting
Acoustic sound insulation and functional sandwich panels
- Application areas: sound insulation walls, equipment covers, acoustic ceilings, sound-absorbing decorative panels
- Recommended structures: perforated honeycomb core, acoustic energy-absorbing core material, decorative composite structure
- Cooperation value: reduce noise resonance, improve indoor sound environment, and take into account both appearance and function
Chalco 3003 new honeycomb material
| Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Honeycomb Core | |||||
| Haxcore Honeycomb | Compression | Plate Shear | |||
| Designation | Bare | L Direction | W Direction | ||
| Material Size | Strength psi | Strength psi | Modulus ksi | Strength psi | Modulus ksi |
| HAX-AH Alloy mm inch | Typ. | Typ. | Typ. | Typ. | Typ. |
| HAX-AH-3003- 6.4-1/4 | 625 | 365 | 70 | 215 | 38 |
| HAX-AH-3003- 9.5-3/8 | 340 | 230 | 45 | 130 | 22 |
| HAX-AH-3003-12.7-1/2 | 190 | 140 | 28 | 80 | 14 |
| HAX-AH-3003-17-3/4 | 120 | 100 | 20 | 65 | 11 |
| HAX-AH-3003-25.4--1 | 80 | 65 | 14 | 45 | 7 |
| HAX-AH-5052-9.5--3/8 | 362 | 250 | 55 | 160 | 26 |
| Notes: Test data obtained at 0.625" thickness; Size available on request; The above values are not guaranteed and should be used as indication only. | |||||
Notes: Test data obtained at 0.625" thickness; Size available on request; The above values are not guaranteed and should be used as indication only.
| 3000 Series Mechanical Properties (Units: pressure is psi/MPa, modulus is ksi / GPa , density is lb /ft³ / kg/m³) | ||||||
| Cell Size (in / mm) | Nominal Density | Compressive Strength | Plate Shear Strength (L-dir.) | Shear Modulus (L-dir.) | Plate Shear Strength (W-dir.) | Shear Modulus (W-dir.) |
| 1/4" / 6.4 mm | 5.2 lb /ft³ / 83 kg/m³ | 680 psi / 4.69 MPa | 330 psi / 2.28 MPa | 2.28 ksi / 0.16 GPa | 195 psi / 1.34 MPa | 3.7 ksi / 0.26 GPa |
| 3/8" / 9.6 mm | 3.6 lb/ft³ / 58 kg/m³ | 340 psi / 2.34 MPa | 227 psi / 1.56 MPa | 1.65 ksi / 0.11 GPa | 125 psi / 0.87 MPa | 2.5 ksi / 0.17 GPa |
| 1/2" / 12.7 mm | 2.5 lb/ft³ / 40 kg/m³ | 205 psi / 1.41 MPa | 140 psi / 0.97 MPa | 0.97 ksi / 0.07 GPa | 85 psi / 0.59 MPa | 1.5 ksi / 0.10 GPa |
| 3/4" / 19.0 mm | 1.8 lb/ft³ / 29 kg/m³ | 125 psi / 0.86 MPa | 105 psi / 0.72 MPa | 0.72 ksi / 0.05 GPa | 50 psi / 0.34 MPa | 0.9 ksi / 0.06 GPa |
| 1.0" / 24.4 mm | 1.2 lb/ft³ / 19 kg/m³ | 85 psi / 0.59 MPa | 70 psi / 0.48 MPa | 0.48 ksi / 0.03 GPa | 50 psi / 0.34 MPa | 0.7 ksi / 0.05 GPa |
3003 aluminum honeycomb core structure selection guide and FAQs
In the application of building decoration, industrial equipment covering and transportation structure, the selection of honeycomb core structure should be matched with the force direction, bonding method and cost budget. The following are the selection suggestions of common structure types and answers to typical questions to help you make a quick decision.
Recommendations for selecting common 3003 honeycomb core material structure types
| Structure Type | Performance characteristics | Recommended application scenarios |
| STD (Standard Hexagon) | Uniform in all directions, light and high strength | Conventional sandwich structures such as floors, interior panels, equipment housings, etc. |
| R2 (halved hexagon) | Transverse shear enhancement, suitable for plane force | Slide support plate, avionics module, vehicle side wall |
| 2R2S (offset cut structure) | Strong energy absorption, enhanced compression and multi-axis load bearing | Anti-collision structure, battery compartment, cabin buffer zone |
| R2S (multi-axis staggered structure) | High multi-directional shear stiffness | Curved composite parts, structural transition sections, insert bases |
| R2S[DG] (different thickness dislocation structure) | Lightweight and strength synergistic optimization | Optoelectronic carriers, aerospace cabin walls, functional composite laminates |
- If you want light weight + processability, STD / R2 is the best choice
- If a buffer/energy absorption structure is required, 2R2S/R2S is recommended
- For multi-directional load/complex surface design, R2S / R2S[DG] is more suitable
- All structures support customized pore size, density, and perforation method
How to order 3003 honeycomb core material? How to understand the ordering parameters of 3003 honeycomb core material?
PAA – 3003 – 3.1 – 3/16 – N – E
The meaning of each parameter is as follows:
| Parameter | Example Value | Explanation of meaning |
| Product range | PAA | Chalco Honeycomb Core Product Line |
| Alloy grade | 3003 | Use 3003-H18 aluminum foil material |
| density | 3.1 | The unit is pcf (pounds per cubic foot) |
| Unit aperture | 3/16 | Common specifications include 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 3/8" |
| Perforation status | N/P | N = Not Perforated, P = Perforated |
| Expansion state | E / U | E = expanded, U = unexpanded |
What is the difference between 3003 honeycomb core and 5052 and 5056?
- 3003: Lower cost, good ductility, suitable for decoration and industrial structure
- 5052/5056: Higher strength and corrosion resistance, used in extreme environments such as aviation or offshore
If your project does not require high strength but focuses on processability and cost control, 3003 is the preferred option.
Does it support small batch purchase and customization?
Yes. Chalco provides unexpanded, expanded, pre-cut and pre-formed products, suitable for small batch prototyping and project-based customization.
What panel materials can it be used with?
3003 aluminum honeycomb core is suitable for:
- Aluminum plate (anodized or sprayed)
- Stainless steel plate
- Wood veneer/artificial board
- CFRP/GFRP composite materials, etc.
It can be laminated by heat pressing or gluing.
Can you provide test reports and quality certificates?
We can provide COC, COA, batch test records, and third-party test reports (such as mechanical properties, density control, surface condition, etc.) on demand.
Can the honeycomb core be perforated?
Yes. A variety of perforation options are available to suit the design requirements, for ventilation, noise reduction, pressure relief or thermal management.
Chalco can provide you the most comprehensive inventory of aluminum products and can also supply you customized products. Precise quotation will be provided within 24 hours.
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