PMI Carbon Sandwich Panels: Stiffness at Low Weight

Carbon sandwich panels with a PMI foam core are used where a panel has to be stiff but light — in UAV, aerospace, automotive, marine and industrial applications. At X CarbonTech we design and manufacture custom PMI-core panels with integrated inserts.

What is a PMI core?

PMI (polymethacrylimide) is a closed-cell structural foam available in different grades and densities. Core density, thickness, processing limits and compatibility with the resin system are selected for each panel. The service temperature of the finished panel depends on the complete material system, including the skins, adhesive and resin.

Why sandwich construction?

Separating thin composite skins with a lightweight core can increase bending stiffness efficiently. The achievable weight saving depends on the reference design, loads and required performance.

Key advantages

• High bending stiffness relative to weight
• Good dimensional stability
• Integrated inserts and mounting points
• Compatible with carbon, aramid, glass and hybrid skins
• CNC or waterjet trimming to the final contour

Custom panels with inserts

Every panel is tailored to its structural and design requirements. Inserts and local reinforcement can be integrated at load-bearing points such as bolt holes, slots and mechanical joints, so that loads are introduced into the panel in a controlled way.

Panels are trimmed by CNC machining or waterjet cutting, with edge finishing and insert details selected for the application.

Applications

• UAV & drones – fuselages, wings, frames and electronic mounts
• Automotive – body panels, mounts and diffusers
• Marine – decks and yacht structures
• Industrial robotics & equipment – moving structures where mass matters

Tell us about the loads, dimensions and mounting points, and we will propose a core, laminate and insert concept for your panel.