Urethane foam

When urethane resins were first being developed, it was discovered that too much moisture during curing would cause the resin to fill with air bubbles. Thus was born an entire industry, one whose products you are probably sitting on as you read this. Urethane foam can be flexible to create foam rubber or tumbling mats. It can also be rigid to make surfboards or shipping containers. It can be very low density for building insulation or high density for machining precision prototypes. Urethane foam can accept a variety of coatings without dissolving and is used by K&A for many products but primarily as a machinable material for creating high quality shapes for sculpture or architecture.

EPS foam

There are other types of foam as well. The least expensive is expanded polystyrene (EPS). Some people call it "bead foam." It is a cost effective way to create large shapes. It dissolves when it comes in contact with polymers containing styrene or other synthetic solvents. It is recyclable, to a degree, and can be sculpted provided a fine, intricate surface is not required.

Synthetic foams, like other polymer materials, come in such a wide array of properties that it is essential to consider every application separately. If you think synthetic foam could solve your material needs, call us. If we can't help you, chances are we'll be able to help you find someone who can.