5A12 aerospace aluminum honeycomb core is an expanded honeycomb core made from high-magnesium Al-Mg alloy foil, forming a lightweight hexagonal cell structure for aerospace sandwich panel applications.
Chalco offers unexpanded blocks or expanded sheets and can customize cell size, density, thickness, and cut-to-size dimensions based on project drawings.
When specified by the customer, this material can be supplied in accordance with HB5443 and AMS specifications. Final technical values are subject to project requirements and the Mill Test Certificate (MTC).
What is 5A12 aerospace aluminum honeycomb core?
5A12 aluminum honeycomb core is made from 5A12 alloy-also known as LF12-a high-magnesium aluminum-magnesium (Al-Mg) alloy.
The alloy foil undergoes bonding, stacking, and expansion processes to form a lightweight hexagonal Al-Mg honeycomb structure that serves as a shear-carrying core in aerospace sandwich panels.
Compared to solid metal structures, this honeycomb core offers a high strength-to-weight ratio, reduced structural weight, and good corrosion resistance, making it ideal for aircraft, satellites, and other aerospace sandwich structures requiring stiffness and weight savings.
Chalco supplies unexpanded blocks or expanded sheets for further bonding, cutting, and sandwich panel fabrication.
For an overview of aluminum honeycomb materials, structural configurations, and common alloy options, refer to our aluminum honeycomb core overview page.
Standards and quality system
For aerospace procurement projects, the specifications for 5A12 honeycomb core must be confirmed based on project drawings, material specifications, and required inspection documentation.
Chalco can supply 5A12 aluminum honeycomb core to support the following standards when specified:
- HB5443-1990 Specification for Aluminum Honeycomb Core
- AMS-A-81596A Aluminum Honeycomb Core
- AMS-C-7438A Specification for Honeycomb Core Materials
In terms of quality management, Chalco operates under ISO 9001 (GB/T 19001), ISO 14001 (GB/T 24001), and ISO 45001 (GB/T 45001) integrated management systems for quality, environmental, and occupational health and safety, and can provide corresponding documentation to support projects.
For AMS-A-81596 aluminum honeycomb core or HB5443 aluminum honeycomb projects, applicable standards, inspection items, tolerance requirements, and test reports must be confirmed prior to production.
Final compliance shall be determined by customer drawings, procurement specifications, Mill Test Certificates (MTC), inspection reports, and agreed-upon order requirements.
5A12 cell size, density, and foil thickness
5A12 honeycomb core is available in various cell sizes, densities, foil thicknesses, and flatwise compressive strengths, supporting design selection for aerospace sandwich panel structures. The aluminum honeycomb core density chart below is compiled from Chalco's current 5A12 aerospace honeycomb core specifications.
| Specification Code | Cell size | Density | Inscribed Circle Diameter | Foil Thickness | Sheet Dimensions (L × W) | Thickness (T) | Flatwise Compressive Strength |
| 3-5A12-66 | 2 mm (0.079 in) | 66 kg/m³ | 3 mm (0.118 in) | 0.03 mm | 1550 × 2200 mm | ≥5 mm | 2.75 MPa |
| 3-5A12-77 | 2 mm (0.079 in) | 77 kg/m³ | 3 mm (0.118 in) | 0.04 mm | 1550 × 2200 mm | ≥5 mm | 3.57 MPa |
| 5-5A12-44 | 3 mm (0.118 in) | 44 kg/m³ | 5 mm (0.197 in) | 0.03 mm | 1550 × 2200 mm | ≥8 mm | 1.36 MPa |
| 5-5A12-52 | 3 mm (0.118 in) | 52 kg/m³ | 5 mm (0.197 in) | 0.04 mm | 1550 × 2200 mm | ≥8 mm | 1.84 MPa |
| 5-5A12-68 | 3 mm (0.118 in) | 68 kg/m³ | 5 mm (0.197 in) | 0.05 mm | 1550 × 2200 mm | ≥8 mm | 2.88 MPa |
| 5-5A12-81 | 3 mm (0.118 in) | 81 kg/m³ | 5 mm (0.197 in) | 0.06 mm | 1550 × 2200 mm | ≥8 mm | 3.85 MPa |
| 5-5A12-110 | 3 mm (0.118 in) | 110 kg/m³ | 5 mm (0.197 in) | 0.08 mm | 500 × 2200 mm | ≥8 mm | 6.29 MPa |
| 5-5A12-140 | 3 mm (0.118 in) | 140 kg/m³ | 5 mm (0.197 in) | 0.10 mm | 500 × 2200 mm | ≥8 mm | 9.81 MPa |
| 7-5A12-33 | 4 mm (0.157 in) | 33 kg/m³ | 7 mm (0.276 in) | 0.03 mm | 1550 × 2200 mm | ≥10 mm | 0.84 MPa |
| 7-5A12-39 | 4 mm (0.157 in) | 39 kg/m³ | 7 mm (0.276 in) | 0.04 mm | 1550 × 2200 mm | ≥10 mm | 1.13 MPa |
| 7-5A12-53 | 4 mm (0.157 in) | 53 kg/m³ | 7 mm (0.276 in) | 0.05 mm | 1550 × 2200 mm | ≥10 mm | 1.90 MPa |
| 7-5A12-61 | 4 mm (0.157 in) | 61 kg/m³ | 7 mm (0.276 in) | 0.06 mm | 1550 × 2200 mm | ≥10 mm | 2.38 MPa |
| 7-5A12-84 | 4 mm (0.157 in) | 84 kg/m³ | 7 mm (0.276 in) | 0.08 mm | 1550 × 2200 mm | ≥10 mm | 4.11 MPa |
| 7-5A12-106 | 4 mm (0.157 in) | 106 kg/m³ | 7 mm (0.276 in) | 0.10 mm | 500 × 2200 mm | ≥10 mm | 6.08 MPa |
| 8-5A12-27 | 5 mm (0.197 in) | 27 kg/m³ | 8 mm (0.315 in) | 0.03 mm | 1500 × 2200 mm | ≥10 mm | 0.61 MPa |
| 8-5A12-31 | 5 mm (0.197 in) | 31 kg/m³ | 8 mm (0.315 in) | 0.05 mm | 1550 × 2200 mm | ≥10 mm | 0.76 MPa |
| 8-5A12-41 | 5 mm (0.197 in) | 41 kg/m³ | 8 mm (0.315 in) | 0.05 mm | 1550 × 2200 mm | ≥10 mm | 1.23 MPa |
| 8-5A12-49 | 5 mm (0.197 in) | 49 kg/m³ | 8 mm (0.315 in) | 0.06 mm | 1550 × 2200 mm | ≥10 mm | 1.64 MPa |
| 8-5A12-67 | 5 mm (0.197 in) | 67 kg/m³ | 8 mm (0.315 in) | 0.08 mm | 1550 × 2200 mm | ≥10 mm | 2.82 MPa |
Note: Values above are for reference only. Final cell size, density, foil thickness, sheet size, thickness, and flatwise compressive strength shall be confirmed per the project Mill Test Certificate (MTC).
The specification code follows the format: inscribed circle diameter – 5A12 – relative density. For example, 3-5A12-66 denotes a 5A12 honeycomb core with a 3 mm inscribed circle diameter and a density of 66 kg/m³.
If your project requires specific density, foil thickness, or expanded honeycomb core configurations, please send drawings or technical requirements to request Chalco's complete 5A12 specification sheet.
Chemical composition of 5A12 aluminum alloy
The foil used for 5A12 aluminum honeycomb core is made from 5A12 aluminum alloy, a 5xxx-series high-magnesium aluminum-magnesium alloy.
The higher magnesium content enhances strength and corrosion resistance, making it well-suited for lightweight aerospace honeycomb core structures.
| Element | Content Range |
| Mg | 8.3–9.6% |
| Mn | 0.40–0.80% |
| Si | ≤0.30% |
| Fe | ≤0.30% |
| Cu | ≤0.05% |
| Zn | ≤0.20% |
| Ni | ≤0.10% |
| Ti | 0.05–0.15% |
| Al | Balance |
5A12 is a non-heat-treatable alloy. When used for honeycomb foil, its strength is primarily achieved through rolling, cold working, and work-hardened temper, not heat treatment.
Aerospace and defense applications
Satellite and spacecraft structural panels
Used in satellite structural panels, equipment panels, and solar array substrates where low weight, stiffness, and dimensional stability are required.
Launch vehicle and landing buffer structures
Suitable for launch vehicle panels, buffer structures, and energy-absorbing parts that need lightweight support and controlled compression performance.
Aircraft structures and nacelle sandwich parts
Used in aircraft interior panels, secondary structures, fairings, access panels, and nacelle-related sandwich parts to improve stiffness without adding much weight.
Shipboard, marine and defense structures
Suitable for shipboard, marine, and defense sandwich structures that require lightweight metallic cores, corrosion resistance, and stable mechanical support.
Mechanical properties and strength-to-weight ratio
The flatwise compressive strength of 5A12 aluminum honeycomb typically increases with higher density and foil thickness.
Based on Chalco's current 5A12 specifications, flatwise compressive strength ranges from approximately 0.61 MPa to 9.81 MPa, depending on cell size, density, and foil thickness.
This strength-to-weight ratio makes 5A12 honeycomb core suitable for aerospace sandwich structures that require stiffness, shear support, and weight reduction simultaneously.
Compared to simply increasing the thickness of solid metal, honeycomb cores can enhance panel thickness and flexural rigidity with minimal weight addition, making them ideal for aircraft, satellites, and other lightweight structural components.
As a high-magnesium Al-Mg alloy honeycomb, 5A12 also offers good corrosion resistance in most applications. Depending on bonding processes, service environments, or drawing requirements, it can be combined with surface treatments, micro-perforation, or other custom fabrication processes.
5A12 vs. 5052 vs. 5056: how to select the right aerospace grade
Choosing between 5A12, 5052, and 5056 is mainly a matter of aerospace grade selection. While 5A12, 5052, and 5056 all belong to the Al-Mg alloy family, they are not directly equivalent or interchangeable.
Final selection should be confirmed based on project drawings, applicable standards, density, cell size, mechanical properties, and inspection documentation.
5A12 is best suited for projects that explicitly specify 5A12, LF12, HB5443, or related aerospace specifications. In Chalco's current product range, its flatwise compressive strength ranges from approximately 0.61 to 9.81 MPa.
5052 is a more commonly used aluminum honeycomb grade in international markets, ideal for projects requiring a balanced combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and supply stability.
5056 is typically selected when drawings or specifications explicitly call for higher-strength aerospace-grade aluminum honeycomb.
For projects requiring internationally common grade options, Chalco can also supply 5052 aluminum honeycomb core according to drawings and specifications.
Customization and engineering capabilities
- Support custom cell size from 0.5 mm to 80 mm, with strength targets matched according to alloy, density, foil thickness, and honeycomb configuration.
- Vented or perforated core: Provide vented core or perforated core with laser-drilled micro-holes for aerospace bonding, vacuum processing, and pressure balancing.
- Micro-hole customization: Customize micro-hole position, spacing, and pattern according to part structure, venting path, and process requirements.
- Surface treatment support: Support surface treatment for bonding, corrosion resistance, surface stability, and further composite processing.
- Material consistency testing: Provide density, thickness, compressive strength, and dimensional stability testing to support batch consistency control.
- Special working conditions: Honeycomb cores can be tailored for vacuum, high temperature, low temperature, high-speed impact, and other demanding environments when specified.
- Drawing-based solution support: Send drawings, target density, cell size, thickness, and performance requirements to confirm a suitable custom solution.
Related products and alternative honeycomb core materials
Chalco provides one-stop supply of honeycomb core materials for aerospace, marine, rail transit, industrial equipment, and composite sandwich panel projects.
Whether you need aluminum honeycomb, aramid honeycomb, stainless steel honeycomb, titanium honeycomb, or a custom honeycomb solution, Chalco can help match the appropriate material, structure, dimensions, density, and processing method based on your drawings and application requirements.
Why choose Chalco for 5A12 aluminum honeycomb core
Chalco is an aerospace aluminum honeycomb core manufacturer. With production bases in Harbin and Foshan, we offer one-stop support for material selection, custom development, testing, production, and export delivery.
For 5A12 aluminum honeycomb core projects, Chalco leverages a Class 100,000 cleanroom production environment and supports annual capacity up to 800 metric tons, suitable for batch supply to aerospace, satellite, aircraft, marine, and composite sandwich panel projects.
With in-house machining equipment, technical development capabilities, and testing support, Chalco can customize cell size, density, foil thickness, vent holes, surface treatment, and delivery format according to drawings and specifications.
Send your drawings, target density, cell size, thickness, standard requirements, and operating environment to receive a quotation for 5A12 aerospace aluminum honeycomb core.
FAQ
What is 5A12 aerospace aluminum honeycomb core?
5A12 aerospace aluminum honeycomb core is a lightweight hexagonal core made from high-magnesium Al-Mg alloy foil for aerospace sandwich structures.
What is the chemical composition of 5A12 aluminum?
5A12 aluminum is a high-magnesium Al-Mg alloy, with Mg as the main alloying element, small amounts of Mn, and Al as the balance.
Is 5A12 equivalent to 5052 or 5056 aluminum honeycomb?
No. 5A12, 5052, and 5056 are all Al-Mg alloys, but their compositions are different. Final aluminium honeycomb selection should follow the project specification and MTC.
Which standards can 5A12 honeycomb core be supplied to?
5A12 honeycomb core can be supplied to support HB5443-1990, AMS-A-81596A, and AMS-C-7438A when specified.
What cell sizes and densities are available?
Chalco can support custom cell size from 0.5 mm to 80 mm, with density selected according to project requirements and the 5A12 specification table.
What are the lead time and minimum order quantity?
Lead time and MOQ depend on specification, thickness, density, testing requirements, and order quantity. Send drawings or RFQ details for confirmation.
Request a quote for 5A12 aerospace aluminum honeycomb core
If your aerospace sandwich structure project requires lightweight Al-Mg honeycomb core, please send drawings, target density, cell size, thickness, and required specifications. Chalco can help confirm the appropriate grade and provide a quotation or the complete 5A12 spec sheet.
Submit your RFQ, and Chalco will assist in confirming the suitable grade, density, thickness, delivery format, testing requirements, and quotation.
