Stainless steel honeycomb panel is a lightweight, high-strength composite panel made by firmly bonding stainless steel face sheets and back sheets to a honeycomb core using high-performance adhesives, brazing, laser welding, or other joining processes. Its core adopts a hexagonal honeycomb structure, which significantly reduces weight while improving overall bending stiffness, compressive strength, and flatness.
As a professional stainless steel honeycomb panel manufacturer and supplier, Chalco offers stainless steel honeycomb panel products in a wide range of grades, thicknesses, and structural configurations. Our products support A1 fire rating and are available with custom sizes, surface finishes, structural fabrication, and installation support solutions to meet diverse project and architectural decoration requirements.
Technical specifications of Chalco stainless steel honeycomb panels
| Item | Common materials / forms | Description |
| Face sheet | 201, 304, 316, 316L stainless steel | Face sheet thickness is typically 0.5–1.0 mm, providing stainless steel appearance, corrosion resistance, and surface performance |
| Honeycomb core | Mainly 3003 and 5052 aluminum honeycomb core; stainless steel honeycomb core can be customized | Common core thicknesses include 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2". Cell size and other parameters can be customized. Used to achieve lightweight structure and improve overall rigidity and deformation resistance |
| Bonding layer | High-performance structural adhesive or composite film; brazed type uses brazing interface | High-temperature and high-pressure lamination or brazing processes are used to firmly bond the face sheet, honeycomb core, and back sheet together. Click to view detailed information |
| Back sheet | Stainless steel sheet; aluminum sheet or galvanized steel sheet optional | Configured based on structural, weight, and cost requirements to enhance structural integrity and overall support performance |
| Size and thickness | Standard sizes or custom specifications | Standard sizes: 1220 × 2440 mm, 1220 × 3050 mm; maximum size up to 1500 × 6000 mm. Standard thicknesses: 9 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm; total thickness range: 4–600 mm. View stock size details |
| Factory certificate | Nadcap, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 | |
| Certification of product quality | GB 8624, EN 13501-1/-2, ASTM E84 / E119, ASTM A480, EN 10088-2 | |
Why choose stainless steel honeycomb panels?
Customers typically choose stainless steel honeycomb panels to address the following common practical challenges:
- Solid stainless steel sheets are too heavy. Compared with solid stainless steel sheets of the same thickness, stainless steel honeycomb panels typically reduce weight by 50%–70%, with panel density usually only 1/3 to 1/5 that of solid sheets, making them more advantageous for transportation, installation, and reducing building loads.
- Conventional single-layer stainless steel sheets are prone to deformation when used for large panel sizes. The hexagonal honeycomb core provides uniform support, reducing warping, bulging, and waviness, so the panel can still maintain high flatness at sizes of 1.5 m × 3 m or even larger, with some configurations allowing a single panel area of up to approximately 9 m².
- Many projects require metallic appearance, as well as flatness, lightweight performance, and engineering adaptability. Stainless steel honeycomb panels retain the appearance and corrosion resistance of stainless steel while offering a better balance for large-format applications and on-site installation.
- Public buildings and high-end interior projects often have higher requirements for fire performance, durability, and approval documentation. For such projects, what is needed is often not just a decorative panel, but a more reliable full-panel structural solution.
Our products are reliable and verifiable:
- Lighter weight without sacrificing strength. The honeycomb sandwich structure reduces weight while maintaining high rigidity and bending performance, making it more suitable for curtain walls, ceilings, column cladding, partitions, and large-format decorative projects.
- Better flatness. The honeycomb core provides uniform support to the face sheet, making stainless steel honeycomb panels more suitable for visually demanding applications such as hotel lobbies, airports, commercial feature walls, and elevators.
- A1 / A2 fire-rated structural solutions available. Suitable for projects with strict fire approval requirements, such as airports, metro stations, hospitals, and large shopping malls.
- Corrosion-resistant and easy to clean for long-term use. 201 is more suitable for low-corrosion, dry indoor environments; 304 is the mainstream general-purpose option; 316L contains molybdenum and is more suitable for coastal, high-humidity, chemical, or high-salt-spray environments. Surface treatments such as brushed finish and PVD can further improve fingerprint resistance, stain resistance, and cleanability.
- Combines sound insulation, thermal insulation, and a certain level of cushioning and vibration-damping performance. The internal cavities of the honeycomb core and the trapped air layer provide additional functional value.
- Green and recyclable. The metal structure has high recycling value and reduces material consumption while maintaining strength, making it more suitable for green building projects and long-term use applications.
- Supports custom fabrication. Custom sizes, surface finishes, edge folding, cutouts, edge sealing, special-shaped fabrication, as well as inspection documents, factory certificates, and quality certification support can be provided.
We can also provide product testing reports, factory certificates, quality documentation, and relevant acceptance documents to help customers efficiently complete material selection confirmation, incoming inspection, and project approval.
Popular alloy types of stainless steel honeycomb panels
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201 stainless steel honeycomb panel
201 is more suitable for budget-sensitive projects and indoor environments with relatively mild conditions. It is typically more cost-effective due to its lower nickel content, offering a material cost advantage. However, it is better suited for general indoor use and is not recommended for coastal, high-humidity, or chloride-containing environments.
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304 stainless steel honeycomb panel
304 is the most commonly used standard grade. It is widely applied because it offers a balanced combination of corrosion resistance, workability, surface finish, and cost, making it suitable for most architectural decoration and general engineering projects.
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316 stainless steel honeycomb panel
316 is more suitable for coastal, high-humidity, chloride-containing, or frequently cleaned environments. It offers better corrosion resistance than 304 mainly because of its molybdenum content. More accurately, it is better suited for demanding environments, rather than being completely immune to corrosion.
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316L stainless steel honeycomb panel
316L is the low-carbon version of 316 and is more suitable for projects involving extensive welding, more complex structures, or drawings that specify low-carbon material. The main difference from 316 is not general corrosion resistance, but improved stability after welding.
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430 stainless steel honeycomb panel
430 is more suitable for dry indoor environments and cost-sensitive decorative projects. It is typically more cost-effective, but its corrosion resistance is generally lower than 304, making it more suitable for interior applications rather than high-corrosion-resistant exterior use.
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Custom stainless steel honeycomb panels
For non-standard sizes, special structures, or high-specification decorative projects, Chalco can provide custom stainless steel honeycomb panels with support for customization of grade, thickness, core material, surface finish, and fabrication method, so the product can better meet drawing optimization, installation coordination, and project delivery requirements.
Quick selection guide
- For projects where budget is the priority and the main application is general indoor use, 201 stainless steel honeycomb panels usually offer a better cost advantage.
- For most standard decorative and engineering applications, 304 stainless steel honeycomb panels are often the safer and more versatile choice.
- For coastal, high-humidity, or chloride-containing environments, 316 stainless steel honeycomb panels are usually more suitable.
- If the project involves extensive welding and has clear requirements for low-carbon material, 316L stainless steel honeycomb panels are a more targeted option.
- If the project involves extensive welding and has clear requirements for low-carbon material, 316L stainless steel honeycomb panels are a more targeted option.
- For applications involving non-standard sizes, special-shaped fabrication, or more complex project coordination requirements, custom stainless steel honeycomb panels are usually better aligned with actual engineering needs.
If you are still unsure which stainless steel honeycomb panel to choose, feel free to contact Chalco. We can provide more targeted selection recommendations and customized solutions based on your project environment, size requirements, and application scenarios.
Core material options for Chalco stainless steel honeycomb panels
Depending on different project requirements, aluminum honeycomb core and stainless steel honeycomb core are the two most common core material options selected by Chalco customers for stainless steel honeycomb panels. We can also customize other honeycomb core materials according to project needs.
Aluminum honeycomb core is the more common option used in stainless steel honeycomb panels. It features light weight, good flatness, and strong fabrication adaptability, making it suitable for most standard architectural decoration and engineering projects. Click to view Chalco's 3003, 5052, and 5056 aluminum honeycomb cores.
Stainless steel honeycomb core
Stainless steel honeycomb core is more suitable for projects with higher requirements for strength, temperature resistance, or special service environments, and is commonly used in certain high-specification industrial and special working-condition applications.
Surface finishes of Chalco stainless steel honeycomb panels
Chalco stainless steel honeycomb panels can be processed with a variety of surface finishes, including mirror, brushed, embossed, sandblasted, and color-coated finishes, to meet different requirements for visual appearance and decorative style.
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Mirror stainless steel honeycomb panel
Mirror stainless steel honeycomb panels feature a bright surface and strong reflectivity, making them suitable for projects with high visual requirements, such as hotels, commercial spaces, and elevator decoration.
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Brushed stainless steel honeycomb panel
Brushed stainless steel honeycomb panels offer a refined and durable texture, making them suitable for conventional decorative projects such as wall cladding, ceilings, public spaces, and elevator cabins.
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Sandblasted stainless steel honeycomb panel
Sandblasted stainless steel honeycomb panels feature a fine surface texture and a softer visual effect, making them suitable for modern commercial spaces, interior applications in public buildings, and high-end decorative projects.
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Embossed stainless steel honeycomb panel
Embossed stainless steel honeycomb panels feature more pronounced texture and visual depth on the surface, enhancing the decorative expression of the panel. They are suitable for feature walls, column cladding, door surrounds, elevator decoration, and distinctive interior projects.
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Etched stainless steel honeycomb panel
Designed patterns, graphics, and text are created on the stainless steel surface through chemical etching processing.
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Color-coated stainless steel honeycomb panel
Color-coated stainless steel honeycomb panels offer a wider range of color options, making them suitable for architectural and customized projects with specific requirements for color presentation and overall design style.
Stainless steel honeycomb panel vs aluminum honeycomb panel
Both stainless steel honeycomb panels and aluminum honeycomb panels are common honeycomb composite panel products. They are similar in structural form, but each has its own characteristics in terms of face sheet material, durability, surface appearance, application scenarios, and overall cost. The comparison below outlines several key dimensions.
| Comparison item | Stainless steel honeycomb panel | Aluminum honeycomb panel |
| Face sheet material | 304 / 316 stainless steel face sheet | Aluminum alloy face sheet |
| Common core material | Aluminum honeycomb core | Aluminum honeycomb core |
| Structural feature | Stainless steel face sheet + honeycomb core composite structure | All-aluminum honeycomb composite structure |
| Durability performance | More stable in high-humidity, coastal, and corrosive environments | Better suited for general indoor environments |
| Salt spray test performance | Only slight discoloration after 3,000 hours of continuous salt spray testing | Noticeable corrosion spots after 3,000 hours of continuous salt spray testing |
| Service life trend | Generally longer in coastal and high-humidity environments | Relatively shorter in complex environments |
| Bending strength | Higher at the same thickness, typically more than 35% higher | Relatively lower at the same thickness |
| Cost | Higher initial investment, but offers better advantages in durability, maintenance frequency, and long-term service stability | Lower initial investment, with greater flexibility for budget control and standard projects |
| Surface appearance | Strong natural metallic texture, wear-resistant, stain-resistant, and easy to clean | More suitable for multi-color coatings and complex shapes |
| More suitable applications | High-end commercial spaces, humid environments, high-traffic areas, and demanding industrial environments | Exhibition displays, low-humidity indoor environments, budget-sensitive projects, and weight-sensitive applications |
Application scenarios of stainless steel honeycomb panels
Architectural decoration systems
Suitable for curtain walls, ceilings, and interior cladding in high-end projects, offering strong metallic texture, good flatness, and long-term performance.
Aerospace and special equipment
Used for components requiring high strength, temperature resistance, and adaptability to special environments, typically for specific applications.
Humid environments
Suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, poolside areas, and similar applications, especially for projects with requirements for moisture resistance, easy cleaning, and surface stability.
Transportation interior applications
Suitable for rail, marine, and transport interiors, offering corrosion resistance and structural stability.
Demanding industrial environments
Suitable for food processing, laboratories, and cleanrooms, where hygiene, durability, and structural stability are required.
Elevator engineering
Suitable for elevator interiors, including cabin panels and door surrounds, with high durability and surface quality.
If you are not sure which stainless steel honeycomb panel solution is more suitable for your project, feel free to contact Chalco. We can provide more suitable selection and customization recommendations based on your service environment, structural requirements, and surface finish needs.
Stock size details of stainless steel honeycomb panels
| Face sheet size | Face sheet thickness | Honeycomb cell size |
| 305 × 305 mm (12 × 12 in) | 3.2 mm (1/8 in) | 9.5 mm (3/8 in) |
| 305 × 305 mm (12 × 12 in) | 6.4 mm (1/4 in) | 9.5 mm (3/8 in) |
| 305 × 305 mm (12 × 12 in) | 9.5 mm (3/8 in) | 6.4 mm (1/4 in) |
| 305 × 305 mm (12 × 12 in) | 12.7 mm (1/2 in) | 6.4 mm (1/4 in) |
| 305 × 305 mm (12 × 12 in) | 19.1 mm (3/4 in) | 6.4 mm (1/4 in) |
| 305 × 305 mm (12 × 12 in) | 25.4 mm (1 in) | 19.1 mm (3/4 in) |
| 610 × 610 mm (24 × 24 in) | 3.2 mm (1/8 in) | 9.5 mm (3/8 in) |
| 610 × 610 mm (24 × 24 in) | 6.4 mm (1/4 in) | 9.5 mm (3/8 in) |
| 610 × 610 mm (24 × 24 in) | 9.5 mm (3/8 in) | 6.4 mm (1/4 in) |
| 610 × 610 mm (24 × 24 in) | 12.7 mm (1/2 in) | 6.4 mm (1/4 in) |
| 610 × 610 mm (24 × 24 in) | 19.1 mm (3/4 in) | 6.4 mm (1/4 in) |
| 610 × 610 mm (24 × 24 in) | 25.4 mm (1 in) | 19.1 mm (3/4 in) |
| 610 × 1219 mm (24 × 48 in) | 3.2 mm (1/8 in) | 9.5 mm (3/8 in) |
| 610 × 1219 mm (24 × 48 in) | 6.4 mm (1/4 in) | 9.5 mm (3/8 in) |
| 610 × 1219 mm (24 × 48 in) | 9.5 mm (3/8 in) | 6.4 mm (1/4 in) |
| 610 × 1219 mm (24 × 48 in) | 12.7 mm (1/2 in) | 6.4 mm (1/4 in) |
| 610 × 1219 mm (24 × 48 in) | 19.1 mm (3/4 in) | 6.4 mm (1/4 in) |
| 610 × 1219 mm (24 × 48 in) | 25.4 mm (1 in) | 19.1 mm (3/4 in) |
| 1219 × 2438 mm (48 × 96 in) | 3.2 mm (1/8 in) | 9.5 mm (3/8 in) |
| 1219 × 2438 mm (48 × 96 in) | 6.4 mm (1/4 in) | 9.5 mm (3/8 in) |
| 1219 × 2438 mm (48 × 96 in) | 9.5 mm (3/8 in) | 6.4 mm (1/4 in) |
| 1219 × 2438 mm (48 × 96 in) | 12.7 mm (1/2 in) | 6.4 mm (1/4 in) |
| 1219 × 2438 mm (48 × 96 in) | 19.1 mm (3/4 in) | 6.4 mm (1/4 in) |
| 1219 × 2438 mm (48 × 96 in) | 25.4 mm (1 in) | 19.1 mm (3/4 in) |
| 980 × 2500 mm | 0.5–1.0 mm | 6.4 / 9.5 / 12.7 mm (1/4 / 3/8 / 1/2 in) |
| 1180 × 3500 mm | 0.5–1.0 mm | 6.4 / 9.5 / 12.7 mm (1/4 / 3/8 / 1/2 in) |
| 1500 × 6000 mm | 0.5–1.0 mm | 6.4 / 9.5 / 12.7 mm (1/4 / 3/8 / 1/2 in) |
| 1220 × 2440 mm | 10 / 12 / 15 / 20 / 25 mm | 6.4 / 9.5 / 12.7 mm (1/4 / 3/8 / 1/2 in) |
For special size requirements, Chalco can also provide large stainless steel honeycomb panels up to 6000 × 1500 mm, meeting project needs for extra-large panel formats, fewer joints, and improved overall decorative effect.
If you have requirements for large-scale projects, oversized panels, or custom stainless steel honeycomb panels, welcome to contact Chalco for tailored solutions and project support.
Manufacturing process of stainless steel honeycomb panels
Material preparation
Stainless steel face sheets: Cut to required dimensions according to design requirements, and perform surface pre-treatment such as brushing, mirror polishing, or sandblasting as needed.
Honeycomb core: Cut to design size, ensuring accurate dimensions and clean edges.
Adhesive: Mix according to the specified ratio and stir thoroughly to ensure stable bonding performance.
Bonding of face sheet and core
Apply adhesive evenly on the inner side of the stainless steel face sheet, with the adhesive layer thickness typically controlled at 0.1–0.2 mm.
Place the honeycomb core accurately onto the coated face sheet, ensuring full contact between the core and the face sheet.
Use pressing equipment for lamination, with pressure typically controlled at 0.5–1.0 MPa and pressing time generally 2–4 hours, adjustable based on adhesive curing properties.
Curing
Place the laminated panel in a controlled temperature and humidity environment for curing. The temperature is typically maintained at 20–30°C, and humidity at 50%–70%.
Curing time is usually 24–48 hours, depending on the adhesive system and process requirements.
Edge processing
Use CNC cutting equipment to perform precision machining on panel edges, ensuring accurate dimensions, smooth cuts, and no significant burrs.
Grind and finish the edges to improve product quality and reduce the risk of scratches during installation and use.
Surface treatment
Perform secondary surface processing according to design requirements, such as polishing, brushing, or coating.
For coating processes, ensure uniform coating, with no bubbles or runs, meeting appearance and adhesion requirements.
Quality inspection
Use ultrasonic testing equipment to inspect bonding quality, ensuring no delamination or significant air bubbles.
Use hardness testers, tensile testing machines, and other equipment to verify mechanical properties, ensuring compliance with design requirements and applicable standards.
Installation process of stainless steel honeycomb panels
Installation preparation
Before installation, confirm that the panel grade, surface finish, thickness, honeycomb core structure, and supporting connection details are consistent with the drawings.
At the same time, check whether the substrate wall or ceiling is flat, clean, and secure, free of oil, dust, and impurities, and prepare the framework, brackets, bolts, special adhesives, and common installation tools in advance.
Measurement and layout
Carry out on-site measurement according to the construction drawings, and mark the layout accurately based on the panel division requirements to determine panel positions, joint direction, and the framework installation reference. This step directly affects joint control, installation accuracy, and the overall appearance.
Framework installation
Install the main framework and secondary framework according to the marked layout, and check the flatness, verticality, and stability of the framework system.
After the framework installation is completed, dimensional deviations should be rechecked to ensure smooth panel installation in the next step.
Panel installation
Install the stainless steel honeycomb panels onto the framework one by one according to the project connection details. Common methods include clip fixing, hanger connection, or folded-edge fixing. During installation, ensure reliable connection between the panel and the framework, accurate panel positioning, and uniform joint gaps.
Alignment and adjustment
After the panels are initially fixed, uniformly adjust the levelness, verticality, joint width, and overall flatness of adjacent panels.
After confirmation, tighten all connectors to ensure clean lines and a smooth panel surface after installation.
Edge finishing and surface inspection
After installation, inspect and trim the closures, corners, edges, and joint areas to ensure complete and neat detail treatment.
Finally, check whether the panel surface has scratches, contamination, or local pressure marks, and clean and protect it as required.
Installation precautions
- Reasonable expansion joints should be reserved during installation to avoid panel deformation caused by temperature changes.
- Protective film should be kept on decorative surfaces such as mirror-finish and brushed panels to prevent scratches during installation.
- Avoid excessive localized force during panel installation, as it may affect flatness.
- Joint width and fixing methods should be based on the project drawings and connection detail design.
Bonding methods between honeycomb core and stainless steel face sheet
Adhesive bonding
The most widely used method. It bonds the face sheet and honeycomb core with epoxy adhesive or hot-melt film, offering mature processing, cost advantages, and good stress absorption. It is commonly used in curtain walls, interior decoration, and furniture applications.
Brazing
A full-metal joining method that forms a strong metallurgical bond between the face sheet and core. It offers excellent fire resistance and high-temperature performance, and is commonly used in aerospace and special industrial applications. Chalco can supply both brazed stainless steel honeycomb panels and brazed aluminum honeycomb panels.
Laser welding
An advanced joining process that uses a high-energy laser beam to directly fuse the face sheet with the honeycomb core at contact points. It requires no filler material, resulting in a lightweight structure with high bonding strength and excellent fatigue resistance, and is widely used in medical, nuclear, and high-end precision equipment applications.
What services can Chalco provide?
Chalco supplies standard products and provides material data, samples, and technical support to assist with selection, quotation, and project approval.
Material data and basic product information can be provided
Chalco can provide basic product information for stainless steel honeycomb panels according to customer requirements, including:
- Material grade information
- Product specification parameters
- Surface finish details
- Panel structure information
- Standard sizes and customization range
- Sample confirmation support
Project testing and standard requirement support can be provided
For projects with requirements for fire performance, structural performance, or project specifications, Chalco can assist in confirming relevant testing requirements and documentation scope based on customer needs, including:
- Fire rating requirements
- Full panel structural testing requirements
- Material certificates or basic project documentation
- Third-party testing or project submission support
- Sample testing support
For different projects, the applicable standards may vary. We can help confirm more suitable product configurations and documentation preparation based on the specific application scenario.
Project support can be provided
In addition to standard product information, Chalco can also provide the following project support based on requirements:
- Confirm panel dimensions and structure according to drawings
- Support sample production and surface finish confirmation
- Assist in confirming edge processing, cutouts, and fabrication requirements
- Provide packaging, transportation, and delivery recommendations
- Support project detailing and bulk supply requirements
FAQ
What alloys are commonly used for stainless steel honeycomb panels?
Common stainless steel grades include 201, 304, 316, and 316L.304 is the most popular general-purpose option, while 316 / 316L are better for coastal or corrosive environments.
What surface finishes are available for stainless steel honeycomb panels?
Common finishes for stainless steel honeycomb panels include brushed, mirror, bead blasted, embossed, etched, PVD color coating, and anti-fingerprint treatment.
Can Chalco provide samples?
Yes. Standard samples, finish swatches, and custom mock-up panels can be provided before mass production.
Can stainless steel honeycomb panels be customized according to drawings?
Yes. Chalco provides custom stainless steel honeycomb panels based on drawings, including grade, thickness, core, surface finish, and fabrication, to meet project requirements.
Can Chalco provide documentation support for project approval or submission?
Yes. Chalco can provide material data, product specifications, structural information, sample support, and related testing or documentation assistance for project quotation, selection, and submittal.
Are stainless steel honeycomb panels suitable for large-format applications?
Yes. Their honeycomb structure reduces weight while improving rigidity and flatness, making them suitable for large-format decorative applications.
How to select materials for coastal, high-humidity, or high salt spray environments?
316 or 316L is recommended for these environments, while 304 is suitable for standard indoor use and 201 for more budget-sensitive indoor projects.
How to choose between aluminum honeycomb core and stainless steel honeycomb core?
Aluminum core is more suitable for lightweight and general architectural use, while stainless steel core is better for higher strength, temperature resistance, or special conditions.
Can stainless steel honeycomb panels balance decorative and functional performance?
Yes. They combine metallic appearance, flatness, corrosion resistance, and added sound, thermal, and vibration-damping benefits.
Are stainless steel honeycomb panels suitable for green building projects?
Yes. They are lightweight, recyclable, and help reduce material consumption, making them suitable for sustainable building projects.
What information should be prepared before inquiry?
It is recommended to prepare the application, grade, surface finish, size, thickness, core type, and any drawings or testing requirements.
What if I am still unsure how to choose?
Contact Chalco for more targeted selection advice and customized solutions based on your project needs.
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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