Advantages of PE Foam
PE foam increases rigidity and stiffness of moulded parts whilst mini missing shot weights. As well as increased strength advantages imparted upon a product by the use of foam instead of solid PE, the insulating properties of foam may have useful applications. PE foam is also very buoyant, yet absorbs very little water due to its closed cell structure. PE foam is also recyclable.
Moulding of HRC Foam Cure times are either unaltered, or are reduced when products are moulded in foam. This is because it is not necessary to fully cure each layer as it is moulded. Instead each layer is shot, and merely cooked until it is melted. Powder for the next layer is then poured. The cure of the outer and/or inner layers and the expansion of the foam are then all accomplished simultaneously at the end of the cure cycle.
Cooling of the foam product may, however, take a little longer than that of the corresponding solid PE part, depending on the thickness of the foam produced. PE foam has insulating properties which may cause cooling cycles to be extended. Sometimes the foam products must be cooled slowly to prevent warpage, but with 'cavity fill' products this is less likely. |
