Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) vs End-Grain Balsa Core
Composite · grade comparison
Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) and End-Grain Balsa Core are both composite grades. Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) against 13 MPa (1.94 ksi) for End-Grain Balsa Core, about 9.7 times as much. Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) is the more ductile: elongation 5% versus 1.1% for End-Grain Balsa Core. End-Grain Balsa Core is lighter (0.15 g/cm³ vs 1.35 g/cm³ for Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM)) and Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) is stiffer (70 GPa vs 4.1 GPa). On the shop floor, End-Grain Balsa Core machines more easily (excellent vs very good) and Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than End-Grain Balsa Core (high, $$$$).
Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM)Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
End-Grain Balsa CoreChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.
Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) vs End-Grain Balsa Core: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all composite grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all composite grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM)End-Grain Balsa Core
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Modulus
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Specific Heat Capacity
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
UV / Weathering Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 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.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) | End-Grain Balsa Core |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Default condition | PE Core | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) vs End-Grain Balsa Core — frequently asked
Is Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) stronger than End-Grain Balsa Core?
Yes. Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) has a typical tensile strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) against 13 MPa (1.94 ksi) for End-Grain Balsa Core — about 9.7 times as much.
Which is cheaper, Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) or End-Grain Balsa Core?
Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while End-Grain Balsa Core is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) or End-Grain Balsa Core?
End-Grain Balsa Core. Its machinability rates excellent (92/100) against very good (80/100) for Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) and End-Grain Balsa 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.