Polyurethane Packaging Foam

  
            New to packaging and wondering what foam to choose for your packing project or job?  We would like to inform you on some of the typical uses of different types of foam offered here at SpeedyFoam. Obviously the purpose of using foam is to offer some sort of cushioning for sensitive tooling, components or electronics.  Our polyurethanes offer a flexible solution to your cushioning needs.  Industry resources report that polyurethane foam is one of the better methods of protecting goods from damage because of it unique cushioning properties as well as its ability to recover quickly and be easily shaped.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

            As waste continues to become a bigger and bigger problem in the world today foam is one item that is relatively “Green”.  Almost 90% of flexible softer density foams are recycled and reused in carpet padding applications.  Old foam is shredded and rebounded together to form those multi colored carpet pads that are so common in homes today.  Choosing flexible, soft foam is not only good for packaging but very easy on the environment as well.

Firmness

            Firmness in foam is denoted as IFD or Indentation Force Deflection, IFD is a measure of foam firmness at 25% height deflection.  IFD is a good guideline for foam application.  Using foam with a high IFD means the foam will not conform as much to surface details in contrast to a softer foam with a lower IFD which will gently form to the surface of the object it is in contact with.

Lower IFD is often used to package very fragile electronic equipment, ceramics, or glass pieces.  The first thing to consider when packaging your product is what are you packaging? And how breakable is it?

Higher IFD is better for multiple impacts without loosing its cushioning value.  This also is better for heavier objects as it will take the load and retain its shape allowing cushioning for a period of time.

Anti-static Performance

Fragility

            When considering the object you are packing the fragility is important.  Fragility is expressed in G’s or the amount of G force an item can withstand without damage.  Usually this is determined by an actual drop test where the item is dropped and records are made of the G forces experienced.  This is done until a maximum G force is reached.  Once the fragility is figured then packaging material can be chosen for packaging.

Packaging Options

            Knowing how fragile your object is allows you to choose foam for packaging.  Lighter weight items will usually use soft flexible foam that conforms to the surface but does not have large amounts of weight to support.  Heavier items or items that will be taking repeated impact should use firmer foam for packaging protection.  With any packing solution there are other things to consider.  Firmness and density as discussed above will have implications for packaging, but also it is important to consider thickness as more foam provides more cushioning.

Terms Summary/Glossary

Fragility Index- The amount of G Force and object can sustain without taking damage in its package

G Force- The acceleration of gravity (32.19 ft/sec/sec)

Impact Dissipation- The ability of foam packaging to dissipate the force of impact protecting the component or part

Static Loading- The weight of an object that can be distributed across the surface of a piece of foam measured in psi (pounds per square inch)

IFD- Indentation Force Deflection

Fragility Chart Approximations