Panel Flatness, Stiffness, and Deflection Properties

Bellcomb excels in the area of panel flatness, which refers to the measurements of the panel in the “Z” direction when compared to a perfectly flat plane. When force is applied to a panel, its performance is referred to as a measurement of stiffness or deflection. It is known throughout the composites industry that a composite panel will significantly outperform traditional materials by up to 300% in stiffness characteristics. We continue to be the only manufacturer consistently able to provide the high-volume quality required to meet recurring panel manufacturing requirements for flatness.

Understanding performance expectations, budget and critical restrictions is key when it comes to ensuring panel flatness. Panel system construction will greatly influence these characteristics. You may find that you need a framed panel, but framing dramatically increases the weight of the panel. Material selection is also essential to meeting flatness requirements. Bellcomb leads the industry in satisfying high-volume panel needs that require consistent flatness and deflection performance.

CORE MATERIALS

The most common core material for panels that require stiffness properties is Aluminum honeycomb. This conventional wisdom is consistently challenged, however, with materials such as Fluted Polypropylene, Kraft honeycomb and foam core materials such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) foam, Urethane foam.

SKIN MATERIALS

The skin of a composite panel is largely responsible for its deflection characteristics. The thickness of a skin is as important as the selection of the specific material. Thickness also influences the weight of the panel, which is another critical attribute in most of our clients’ cases.

ADHESIVES

The structural bond created by the correct selection and application of an adhesive will maximize the flatness, stiffness and deflection properties of the core and skin materials. When adhesives are applied correctly, loads are transferred to those materials.

Our professionals are ready to discreetly work through your specific panel application requirements to find the best possible panel solution. Call us at 763-537-0200 or e-mail us at sales@bellcomb.com and see how Bellcomb can help you.