A core density figure does not define the stiffness of a complete sandwich panel. The skins, core thickness, material properties and their connection form the panel construction. Compare that construction under the intended loading and supports.
Read the complete section
A sandwich description should identify both skins, the core material and thickness, and the bonding arrangement. Hexcel’s sandwich design guidance treats the faces and core as parts of one structural system. A core datasheet is therefore only one source in a panel review.
Compare equivalent requirements
Two cores with the same nominal density need not have identical properties or processing behaviour. Likewise, changing panel thickness can change mass and installed space. Keep the proposed panel section beside the mass estimate and the performance requirement instead of ranking candidates by density alone.
Define what the panel must do
State the clear span, supports, load locations and allowed behaviour as appropriate to the application. Local attachments may need their own details rather than relying on the general panel construction. Request the evidence needed for the actual section; do not infer a finished-panel rating from a low-density core label or a generic material family name.
Further reading: Hexcel: honeycomb sandwich design guidance.