Foam

Applications of foam

Foam is an extraordinarily versatile material used for many applications from simple packaging to complex technical seals. Correspondingly, it comes in many different types and hardnesses ranging from easily compressible to extremely firm. The degree to which the material can be compressed depends on the type of application for which it is being used. It is mainly used for industrial and construction-related applications. Example of the applications for which we convert foam include packaging for other materials and products, and sealing a wide variety of materials and objects. Other uses include shock absorption and protection against dust, air, water and other substances that could affect the object being protected. EKI processes flexible foam made from five different raw materials. Each of these raw materials has its own specific properties and challenges. With respect to colour, EKI mainly supplies black, grey and white foam. We convert the material from both blocks and rolls, which means we can deliver products with both single-sided and double-sided self-adhesive surfaces.

Raw materials

The five most common raw materials used in manufacturing are polyurethane (PU), melamine, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). Polyurethane foam also includes impregnated PU foam tape (expanding foam tape) and filter foam. Because the properties vary so widely, it is very important to choose the correct raw material; this will ensure that you find a durable solution for your application.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane foam has an open-celled structure and is very soft, making it easily compressible. For this reason, it is most commonly used in mattresses, to make backing rods for use with sealants and for sound insulation, for example in studios. It is also frequently used as packaging foam for lightweight parts and as foam tape for irregular joints with a large joint gradient.

Polyethylene

Polyethylene foam is a closed cell foam with a wide range of applications. It can be used for thermal insulation, such as the subfloor used when laying laminate, and is also often used as packaging foam for filling up boxes. In addition, it is suitable for use as weatherstrip for a wide range of applications.

Melamine

Melamine foam is an extremely lightweight open foam with very good flame retardant properties. It is even more effective at sound absorption than polyurethane. It is therefore often used in acoustic panels and in lamp shades.

PVC

PVC foam has a semi-closed cell structure. This means that when it is compressed, the cells close by a certain percentage, and the material therefore also becomes closed. Depending on the specific weight and composition, the percentage involved can be 15% or 30, for example. This property means that it is frequently used for things like sealing joints with an uneven surface.

EVA

EVA foam is a closed cell foam that is often used for more technical applications. It is very useful as a shock absorber, for instance, and is a durable material with better mechanical properties than PE for example. EVA is often used in consumer applications, but at EKI we manufacture it principally for industrial applications.

How EKI delivers foam

Nijmegen-based manufacturer EKI can supply you with products such as high-quality foam blocks, foam sheets, foam strips and foam tape, in both standard and custom sizes. The items we produce from our materials are extremely durable and can be delivered in bulk, as well as in small quantities from our stock or with short delivery times. Regardless of the size of the purchase, we can deliver our products quickly throughout Europe. If you have specific requirements or questions about our products or their technical specifications, please contact us via +31(0)243773378 or info@eki.nl.