Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) vs Syntactic Foam Core
Composite · grade comparison
Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) and Syntactic Foam Core are both composite grades. Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) against 15 MPa (2.18 ksi) for Syntactic Foam Core, about 8.7 times as much. Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) is the more ductile: elongation 5% versus 1% for Syntactic Foam Core. Syntactic Foam Core is lighter (0.45 g/cm³ vs 1.35 g/cm³ for Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM)) and Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) is stiffer (70 GPa vs 2.4 GPa). On the shop floor, Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) machines more easily (very good vs good) and Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than Syntactic Foam Core (high, $$$$).
Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM)Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Syntactic Foam CoreChoose it when weight is the constraint.
Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) vs Syntactic Foam 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)Syntactic Foam 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
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Specific Heat Capacity
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 80°C176 °F · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume 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)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
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) | Syntactic Foam Core |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Default condition | PE Core | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) vs Syntactic Foam Core — frequently asked
Is Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) stronger than Syntactic Foam Core?
Yes. Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) has a typical tensile strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) against 15 MPa (2.18 ksi) for Syntactic Foam Core — about 8.7 times as much.
Which is cheaper, Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) or Syntactic Foam Core?
Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while Syntactic Foam 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 Syntactic Foam Core?
Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM). Its machinability rates very good (80/100) against good (55/100) for Syntactic Foam Core.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) and Syntactic Foam 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.