Urethane Foam

Urethane Foam

Urethane foam is the most common type of foam and is resilient, low density, closed cell and is available in many different flexibilities and firmnesses. It biodegrades when exposed to UV light, and can be flexible, rigid, semi-flexible, high resilient and anti-static. This type of foam is used in many industries, including the construction, furniture, automotive and medical. Hospital equipment like surgical scrubbers, x-ray positioning pads and EKG pads, construction supplies like sound and thermal insulation and odd or detailed shapes that are difficult to form with wood, packaging material, cushions and padding for furniture, bedding and seating, and automobile interior padding for dashboards, seats, headrests and armrests are all made of urethane foam. Urethane foam is also sometimes made in spray form.

Generally, both rigid and flexible urethane foam is manufactured into large blocks, a process known as the slabstock process and die cut to size to form products like packaging materials and building insulation. For more complex shapes, the urethane foam is molded into a particular shape to produce furniture upholstery and seat or bedding cushioning. Flexible urethane foam is a popular alternative to steel springs and polyester fiber for cushioning because it is quieter, doesn't require more padding and has more recovery. Urethane foam is naturally white in color, but can be dyed if necessary. It ranges in firmness and density, making it a popular material to work with.