Compared to other structural materials, sandwich panels offer a variety of advantages, including:
Sandwich panels exhibit exceptional performance when exposed to flames. Some variations offer fire resistance to temperatures up to and exceed 1000° C.
By using sandwich materials in the construction of a building, building designers and engineers can better ensure the safety of employees and equipment. However, they must consider the size and height of the building and the degree of fire resistance required.
Sandwich panels demonstrate good thermal insulation properties. However, the thermal insulation vs. thermal conductivity of the material varies depending on the type and thickness of the materials used.
Compared to solid laminates, sandwich panels have better strength-to-weight ratios. As a result, they can support comparable loads with less structural material, which can lead to lower material purchasing and transportation costs.
Sandwich structures are a cost-effective option because their core materials are less expensive than other composite reinforcement materials and easy to co-cure to the skins in one-shot processes (e.g., resin infusion). Additionally, their inherent durability lowers their maintenance costs.