Honeycomb panels for infusion and RTM
Honeycomb cores for lightweight composite parts produced by infusion and RTM
Nidaplast 8R and 8RI honeycomb panels have been developed to meet the requirements of closed-mould composite processes, such as vacuum infusion and RTM (Resin Transfer Molding).
Their thermoplastic film is significantly thicker than the standard range — 200 µm for 8R and 300 µm for 8RI, compared with the usual 50 µm — providing increased resistance to resin pressure during molding.
This design ensures panel stability and protects the honeycomb core under load while maintaining excellent lamination quality.
Nidaplast panels enable the production of lightweight, stiff and durable sandwich structures, suitable for industrial, marine, transportation and construction applications.
Our products
Nidaplast 8
Nidaplast 8 is the standard product in the range. It is suitable for hand lay-up or spray-up lamination processes.
Nidaplast 8DB
Nidaplast 8DB has been specifically designed to make the production of shaped parts easier. Its 30 × 30 mm checker-cut pattern on one side of the core allows the creation of curved components.
Nidaplast 8RI
Nidaplast 8RI is an ideal product for the infusion process. Its specially reinforced PP (polypropylene) film withstands resin pressure during processing and prevents the resin from filling the cells.
Nestaplast
These polypropylene panels serve as the core of bonded sandwich panels. Their surface coating (polyester non-woven and plastic film) provides an adhesion support for the applied facing layer.
Nidaplast 8FR
Nidaplast 8FR is an extruded polypropylene honeycomb containing a halogen-free approved material that limits flame propagation (flammability according to UL94 standards: V2 rating).
Nidaplast 8HP
Nidaplast 8HP is a polypropylene honeycomb designed to serve as the core of high-density structural sandwich panels.
Product range comparison table
Products
Characteristics
Density
Sealed thermoplastic film
Compressive strength
nidaplast 8R
PP panel
65 kg/m3
200 μm
1,2 MPa
View the product sheet
nidaplast 8RI
PP panel
65 kg/m3
300 μm
1,2 MPa
View the product sheet
Related case studies
See all our case studies
19 Nov. 2025
19 Nov. 2025
Key highlights
Mechanical performance
Excellent stiffness-to-weight ratio, ideal for composite parts subjected to high mechanical constraints.
Long-term durability
Rot-proof honeycomb cells, moisture-stable and compression-resistant.
French manufacturing
Controlled production ensuring quality, traceability and consistent performance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Nidaplast 8R and 8RI panels?
Both panels share the same extruded polypropylene honeycomb core, but differ in the thickness of the thermoformed film:
8R: 200 µm film, suitable for standard-pressure infusion processes
8RI: 300 µm film, for RTM or applications requiring higher resistance to resin pressure
Why use a thicker film for infusion or RTM?
A thicker film increases mechanical resistance and protects the honeycomb core from the stresses created by resin pressure during molding.
It ensures dimensional stability and consistent laminate quality, even under high vacuum or injection pressure.
Are Nidaplast panels compatible with all resin systems?
Vacuum infusion of thermoset resins is typically performed with viscosities below 300 cps, at pressures between –0.6 and –0.9 bar, depending on the resin manufacturer.
Nidaplast® products are ideally infused at pressures below –0.7 bar.
Would you like to distribute our products?
Become a partner for the distribution of Nidaplast solutions.
Made in France, our honeycomb cores specifically designed for infusion and RTM — such as nidaplast 8 and nidaplast 8RI — offer consistent quality, high mechanical resistance and precise control of resin consumption during vacuum processes.
We support distributors and processors at every stage: selecting the most suitable product, resin/process compatibility testing, technical advice to optimise infusion or injection, and personalized commercial support.
Our solutions are used in transportation, construction, marine, wind energy and industrial sectors to manufacture lightweight, rigid and high-performance sandwich panels compatible with modern composite processes.
Proven technical solutions
Our products are developed to address real on-site requirements: performance, reliability and durability are central to every solution.
Committed to reducing environmental impact
At Nidaplast, we design recyclable products incorporating recycled materials and produced through a controlled industrial process with a low carbon footprint.
Tailored support
Our technical experts, design office and commercial teams support professionals throughout their projects, in France and internationally.
