Type of packing foam used in "endcaps"?

brj · « **on:** 6 Apr 2006, 04:26 am »

Does anyone know exactly what type of foam is used to make those custom formed endcaps you see used to package heavier electronic components? I tried various google searches, but couldn't conclusively identify it.

What I'm thinking of is a somewhat heavier, open cell material that is more plastic-like and springier than most foams. Polystyrene (Styrofoam) will stay dented or crushed if hit, while this stuff springs back. I couldn't find a picture of what I expected under searches of polyethalene or polyurethane foam either, but it looks like many of these foams come in multiple "flavors", so I may have missed it.

I've had a few things shipped with such endcaps, including my BPT power conditioner, and it appears to be the best packing material I've seen to date. If one can buy blocks or sheets of the stuff a couple of inches thick for a reasonable price, I'd love to find a source to use for future shipping needs.

Thanks for any pointers!

Rick Craig · « **Reply #1 on:** 6 Apr 2006, 05:44 am »

Quote from: brj

Does anyone know exactly what type of foam is used to make those custom formed endcaps you see used to package heavier electronic components? I tried various google searches, but couldn't conclusively identify it.

What I'm thinking of is a somewhat heavier, open cell material that is more plastic-like and springier than most foams. Polystyrene (Styrofoam) will stay dented or crushed if hit, while this stuff springs back. I couldn't find a picture of what I expected under searches of polyethalene or po ...

It's polyolefin, sometimes referred to as plank foam.

brj · « **Reply #2 on:** 6 Apr 2006, 06:40 am »

Thanks, Rick!

A quick google search on polyolefin turns up the type of material I was expecting. (Although some plank foam searches led to polyethalene based results.)

Any leads on what type of local stores carry polyolefin? I don't recall ever seeing it at Home Depot or other typical chains. Thanks!

MaxCast · « **Reply #3 on:** 6 Apr 2006, 11:11 am »

Call BPT.

Rick Craig · « **Reply #4 on:** 6 Apr 2006, 11:55 am »

Quote from: brj

Thanks, Rick!

A quick google search on polyolefin turns up the type of material I was expecting. (Although some plank foam searches led to polyethalene based results.)

Any leads on what type of local stores carry polyolefin? I don't recall ever seeing it at Home Depot or other typical chains. Thanks!

Try uline.com - they carry it.