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5052-H39 Aluminum Honeycomb vs Cork Composite Core

Composite · grade comparison

5052-H39 Aluminum Honeycomb and Cork Composite Core are both composite grades. 5052-H39 Aluminum Honeycomb is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 3 MPa (0.406 ksi) against 0.8 MPa (0.116 ksi) for Cork Composite Core, about 3.5 times as much. 5052-H39 Aluminum Honeycomb is lighter (0.05 g/cm³ vs 0.19 g/cm³ for Cork Composite Core) and 5052-H39 Aluminum Honeycomb is stiffer (0.52 GPa vs 0.02 GPa). On the shop floor, Cork Composite Core machines more easily (excellent vs fair).

5052-H39 Aluminum HoneycombChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.

Cork Composite CoreChoose it when the part is machined in volume.

5052-H39 Aluminum Honeycomb vs Cork Composite Core: properties

5052-H39 Aluminum HoneycombCork Composite Core

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

0.52 GPa0.08 Msi
0.02 GPa0 Msi

Shear Modulus

0.31 GPa0.04 Msi
0.01 GPa8.7×10⁻⁴ Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.33
0.1

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

3 MPa0.41 ksi
0.8 MPa0.12 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

1 MPa0.19 ksi
—

Compressive Strength

3 MPa0.37 ksi
0.9 MPa0.13 ksi

Compressive Modulus

0.52 GPa0.08 Msi
0.02 GPa0 Msi

Shear Strength

1 MPa0.21 ksi
0.6 MPa0.09 ksi

Elongation at Break

—
10%

Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)

—
12%

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

0.05 g/cm³0 lb/in³
0.19 g/cm³0.01 lb/in³

Water Absorption (24 h)

—
6%

Water Absorption (Saturation)

—
15%

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

2.5 W/m·K1.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F
0.05 W/m·K0.03 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F
1,700 J/kg·K0.41 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

23.8 µm/m·K13.2 µin/in·°F
50 µm/m·K27.8 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

177°C351 °F
120°C248 °F

Min Service Temperature

-196°C-321 °F
-60°C-76 °F

Max Service Temperature (short-term)

250°C482 °F
150°C302 °F

Limiting Oxygen Index

—
26%

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

2.7×10⁻⁶ Ω·m106 µΩ·in
—

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

66 / 100
—

UV / Weathering Resistance

95 / 100
40 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

38 / 100
90 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

215 MJ/kg92,433 BTU/lb
6 MJ/kg2,580 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

14 kg CO₂/kg
0.5 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb
—

Typical Recycled Content

10%
90%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

56 kN·m/kg
4 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

10.5 MN·m/kg
0.1 MN·m/kg

Thermal Diffusivity

55.9 mm²/s
0.2 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

1
0

Strength versus weight

Yield strength against density for every composite grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.

1101001,000510Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale5052-H39 Aluminum Honeycomb

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability5052-H39 Aluminum HoneycombCork Composite Core
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$ Premium$$$ Premium
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

5052-H39 Aluminum Honeycomb vs Cork Composite Core — frequently asked

Is 5052-H39 Aluminum Honeycomb stronger than Cork Composite Core?

Yes. 5052-H39 Aluminum Honeycomb has a typical tensile strength of 3 MPa (0.406 ksi) against 0.8 MPa (0.116 ksi) for Cork Composite Core — about 3.5 times as much.

Which is cheaper, 5052-H39 Aluminum Honeycomb or Cork Composite Core?

Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.

Which is easier to machine, 5052-H39 Aluminum Honeycomb or Cork Composite Core?

Cork Composite Core. Its machinability rates excellent (90/100) against fair (38/100) for 5052-H39 Aluminum Honeycomb.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 5052-H39 Aluminum Honeycomb and Cork Composite Core side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.

Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.