Different Types of Foam for Cases

Polyurethane Foam (PU)

Overview: Polyurethane foam is the most common type of foam used in cases. When a case says it comes stock with foam this is the type of foam it comes with. The foam is soft enough to provide flexibility for items, but also dense enough to provide cushion for even the heaviest of items.

Description: Polyurethane is similar to a sponge in the fact that it can be squished with your hand and if exposed to water it will absorb.

Technical: Polyurethane is open cell which means air and water can flow freely throughout the foam. The material weighs about 1.6 lbs per cubic foot.

Purchase Polyurethane Flat Foam


Polyethylene Foam (PE)

Overview: Standard Polyethylene foam is the most widely used foam for heavy parts and often used in the military because of its durability. Standard Polyethylene is made to hold objects of considerable weight and is also commonly used when the application requires a material that can be wiped down.

Description: Standard Polyethylene is similar to a foam noodle that can be found in a swimming pool. Since it’s closed cell it will not absorb water.

Technical: Standard Polyethylene is closed cell which means air cannot move freely throughout the foam. The material weighs 2.2 lbs per cubic foot and has a temperature service range of -30 to 150 degrees F.

Purchase Polyethylene Flat Foam


4# Polyethylene Foam

Overview: 4# Polyethylene foam is similar to our Standard Polyethylene foam, but is noticeably more dense which means it takes more pressure to compress the same amount. The material can support extra heavy items and is better suited when thin foam walls are required.

Description: 4# Polyethylene is similar to a boogie board found at the beach. Since it’s closed cell it will not absorb water.

Technical: 4# Polyethylene is closed cell which means air cannot move freely throughout the foam. The material weighs 4 lbs per cubic foot and has a temperature service range of -30 to 180 degrees F.

Purchase 4# Polyethylene Flat Foam


Cross Linked Polyethylene Foam

Overview: Cross linked polyethylene foam is like a mix between rubber & foam. It’s a little more costly, but is very aesthetically pleasing. The cells are extremely small making your insert look high end & out of the ordinary. Perfect for presentation applications. Be advised minimum quantities apply.

Description: Cross linked polyethylene foam are like foam flip flops you often see at the beach. Since it’s closed cell it will not absorb water.


Anti-Static Polyethylene Foam

Overview: Anti-Static foam is the used mostly for electronic parts that may be damaged by ambient static electricity. It is often used in the electronics industry because of its ability to negate electricity that may shock your item. It’s another layer of protection for electronics. Polyethylene Anti-Stat foam is pink, can hold objects of considerable weight, and can be wiped down without damage.

Description: This foam is similar to a foam noodle that can be found in a swimming pool or a boogie board found at the beach. Since it’s closed cell it will not absorb water.

Technical: Polyethylene Anti-Stat foam is closed cell which means air cannot move freely throughout the foam. The material weighs 2.2 lbs per cubic foot.

Purchase Anti-Static Polyethylene Flat Foam


Semi-Vel Foam Topper

Overview: Semi-vel is a soft cloth laminated to the surface of the foam similar to  “peach cloth”. It’s softer than the foam itself and provides a fine, soft, fuzzy-like surface. Semi-vel comes in a variety of colors. Jet-Black is the most common and can be ordered with no minimums.

Description: This foam topper is dedicated to aesthetics. It does not improve the functionality of the insert, but does add an often desirable look and feel to the foam insert

Technical: Cutting this material by hand is not advised. It is very difficult to make sharp edges and detailed cuts without the assistance of a CNC machine. It is most often used in conjunction with custom foam inserts produced for display cases & sales cases.