Core material

Core materials are used in composite structures to increase thickness and stiffness without having to build the entire structure from solid laminate. The core material is placed between layers of fibre reinforcement. This creates a sandwich structure that can provide high stiffness at a relatively low weight.

At Polyestershoppen, you will find different types of core material for manufacturing and reinforcing composite parts. Depending on the type of core material, it can be combined with polyester resin, vinylester resin or epoxy resin. The most suitable core material depends on factors such as the shape of your structure and the processing method you intend to use.

Why use core material?

Simply adding extra layers of fibreglass or another fibre reinforcement is not always the most efficient way to increase the stiffness of a composite structure. Core material increases the distance between the outer laminate layers. This allows you to create a stiff sandwich structure without having to build the entire thickness from fibre reinforcement and resin.

Core materials are used for applications such as boat decks, panels, ponds, body panels and other composite structures where additional stiffness is required.

The main benefits of core materials are:

• Increases the thickness and stiffness of a composite structure.
• Reduces the need to build the entire thickness from solid laminate.
• Depending on the type, suitable for use with polyester, vinylester or epoxy.
• Choice of core materials for processing methods including hand laminating and vacuum infusion.

SphereCore core material

SphereCore is a flexible core material that makes it easy to add thickness to a laminate. The material is easy to shape, making it suitable for both flat surfaces and curved shapes.

SphereCore can be cut to size with scissors and then incorporated into the laminate. This makes it suitable for applications such as boat decks, ponds, scooter body panels and other composite parts where you want to increase stiffness without constructing the entire part from solid laminate.

At Polyestershoppen, SphereCore is available in different versions, including SphereCore 3 mm and SphereCore 4 mm.

3D Core core material

3D Core is a core material for composite structures that can be used with polyester and epoxy resins, among others. The material has a specially cut structure that allows it to conform easily to different shapes while helping the resin flow through the material during processing.

These properties make 3D Core suitable for both hand laminating and vacuum infusion. During vacuum infusion, the cuts help distribute the resin and allow it to flow through the laminate.

3D Core is lightweight, easy to cut to size and suitable for structures with flat or curved shapes.

Which core material do you need?

The choice of core material depends on your structure, the required thickness and the method you use to produce the laminate. Both SphereCore and 3D Core can be suitable for hand laminating. If you are using vacuum infusion, resin flow through the core material is an important consideration.

Always check whether the chosen core material is compatible with the resin system you are using. Also consider the required shape, thickness and laminate structure.

Not sure which core material is suitable for your composite structure or processing method? Please contact the specialists at Polyestershoppen. We will be happy to help you choose the right core material for your project.