Expanded Polyethylene (EPE Foam) and Polyurethane (PU / TPU) are the two most quoted options for plastic foam products and cushioning in electronics and electrical projects. Both are widely available, but they behave very differently once they are in service.
Use it as a working checklist when you write your next enquiry.
This category covers a family of products rather than a single item. In practice a buyer defines plastic foam products and cushioning by three things: the base resin, the format or dimension, and the performance or certification level it has to meet. Typical options in this category include anti-static and flame retardant grades; sheet and roll form; density 15 to 200 kg/m³. Materials most often specified are Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, Expanded Polyethylene, Polyurethane, Expanded Polystyrene, and the choice between them changes stiffness, temperature resistance, chemical behaviour and price.
In the electronics and electrical sector the decision is usually driven by flame retardancy and dimensional stability, with EMI control as a secondary requirement. Typical end uses include battery holders, switchgear panels, connectors.
These figures are typical for commercial grades and should be confirmed against the supplier's certificate for your specific lot.
| Material | Density | Tensile strength | Service temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyurethane | 1.05-1.25 g/cm³ | 25-60 MPa | -30°C to 90°C |
| Ethylene Vinyl Acetate | 0.93-0.95 g/cm³ | 10-30 MPa | -40°C to 70°C |
| Expanded Polyethylene | 0.02-0.05 g/cm³ | 0.3-1.5 MPa | -40°C to 80°C |
Expanded Polyethylene is frequently the default selection here: EPE foam absorbs repeated impact, which is why it protects fragile goods in transit.
Expanded Polyethylene grades offer closed cell and waterproof, while Polyurethane brings outstanding abrasion and tear resistance. For electronics and electrical service the difference shows up in impact strength and in the long term behaviour under load.
The practical decision usually comes down to the service environment: temperature, chemical exposure and expected lifetime.
Beyond the base resin, most suppliers offer UV stabilised, food contact, flame retardant, anti-static and recycled content versions of the same product. Ask which additive package is included, because it is often the difference between a part that lasts three years and one that lasts ten.
The route below is the one most factories use for this type of part.
Secondary operations such as printing, welding, machining and assembly are often cheaper to do in the same factory, and they reduce the risk of mismatch between components.
These are the criteria that actually predict whether the part will perform in service.
Send this list to your supplier with the drawing and you will receive comparable quotations from every factory you contact.
Standard production tolerance follows the relevant ISO or DIN tolerance class for the process; tighter tolerances are possible after machining or grinding, but they add cost. Define the tolerance only on the functional dimensions.
Yes. Standard samples are normally free of charge and shipped within three working days; custom samples are charged at cost and credited against the first production order.
We can provide ISO 9001 quality system documentation, material certificates, RoHS and REACH statements, and where applicable food contact, flame retardancy or drinking water approvals. Tell us your target market and we will match the document set.
Standard packing is export cartons on fumigation-free pallets, with custom labelling, barcode and retail packing available. We also handle consolidated containers and door to door delivery.
Colour is controlled with a masterbatch reference approved by the customer, and every production lot is checked against the approved sample under standard lighting before shipment.
Share your specification and quantity with us and we will recommend the most cost effective material, tooling route and packing method for your market.
Rubber & Plastics © 2026 All Rights Reserved. Yingnet.com — Global B2B trade platform for rubber & plastics manufacturers.
About Us | Contact Us | Help Center | Sitemap