Compare PET, Plywood, Honeycomb, PU, and XPS core options to find the right fit for your project.
FRP sandwich panels combine a durable FRP gelcoat skin with a core material — and the core you choose determines the panel’s insulation performance, weight, structural rigidity, and cost. This guide compares all five core options side by side to help you identify the right fit before exploring the full specifications on each core’s dedicated page.
Core Comparison Table
Core | Primary Strength | Density | Best For |
PU | Best thermal insulation | 40–45 kg/m³ 48–50 kg/m³ | Refrigerated transport, cold chain |
XPS | Cost-optimized insulation | 28–32 kg/m³ | Modular building, cost-sensitive refrigerated projects |
PET | Lightweight & recyclable | To be confirmed | Sustainability-focused, weight-sensitive projects |
Honeycomb | Highest strength-to-weight ratio | To be confirmed | Structural panels, vehicle bodies, marine bulkheads |
Plywood | Strongest load-bearing capacity | To be confirmed | Flooring, structural partitions |
Delivers the best thermal insulation performance among all core options. The preferred choice when maintaining precise internal temperatures is critical, such as refrigerated truck bodies and cold chain logistics.
Offers solid insulation performance at a more cost-optimized price point, balancing performance with budget for projects like modular buildings and cost-sensitive refrigerated transport.
A lightweight, recyclable option offering good structural support with moderate insulation, suited to projects prioritizing sustainability and weight reduction.
Prioritizes strength-to-weight ratio and structural rigidity over insulation, well suited to vehicle bodies, sporting goods, and marine bulkheads and decks.
Delivers the strongest load-bearing capacity among our core options, making it the preferred choice for flooring and structural partitions.
Choose PU (maximum performance) or XPS (cost-optimized)
Choose Honeycomb
Choose Plywood
Choose PET
Still not sure? Contact our team for project-specific guidance.
FAQ
A: Yes. Many projects use different core options for different components — for example, PU or XPS for insulated walls and roofing, paired with Honeycomb or Plywood for structural flooring or partitions. See our Applications pages for component-specific recommendations.
A: No. All core options are backed by the same 10–15 year warranty, consistent with SKD’s standard FRP gelcoat panels.
A: Panel thickness is made to order across all core options, and width is sized to standard container dimensions for shipping. Contact our team to confirm specifications for your specific core and application.
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