INVENTORY » RETICULATED FOAM » OPEN-CELL FOAM » CLOSED-CELL FOAM » FACINGS/BACKING » DATA-SHEETS

Foam technology involves the manipulation of thousands of plastic bubbles (called cells) of precisely controlled sizes. The cells that make up the foam can have a number of variations, which can also be precisely controlled.

Foam Variations

Foams can be reticulated (with fully open cells) for air filtration. Or the cells can be completely closed to prevent fluid absorption or air penetration to make foams used for floatation, insulation or gaskets.

Cell size can also be varied to change the texture of the foam or its filtration abilities. The plastic can be changed too, giving the foam different physical properties.

Foam Characteristics

Foam characteristics or properties that can be affected by the density or type of plastic used include:

Resistance to certain chemicals
Physical strength
Resilience
Operating temperatures
Stiffness

By manipulating foam properties, materials can be custom formulated to solve a specific problem. If the product you need cannot be found, let us help you develop a special grade for your application.

Stephenson & Lawyer is a full service distributor and fabricator for Foamex, Dow, Voltek, Inspec Foams, BASF and many other manufacturers.

Download our manufacturers' Material Data-Sheets »

RETICULATED FOAM

Reticulation is a post process that removes the window membranes of the cell, leaving only the skeletal structure intact.

SIF Filter Foam is one example
of a reticulated foam.

Reticulated foams are used for filters, scrubber pads, and many other applications.

Learn more about Reticulated Foams »

OPEN-CELL FOAM

Open-cell foams have both closed and open cell membranes of varying degrees for different qualities and applications.

Low Permeability Foam is one
example of an open-cell foam.

Open-cell foams are used for packaging and cushioning, acoustical and thermo insulation, gasketing and many more.

More Open-Cell Foams »

CLOSED-CELL FOAM

Closed-cell foam membranes are completely sealed to prevent fluid absorption or air penetration.

Volara is one example of
a closed-cell foam.

Closed-cell foams are used for gasketing, sealing, packaging, floatation, insulation and more.

More Closed-Cell Foams »

FACINGS / BACKING

Most foams are available with facings, as well as pressure sensitive backing.

Pressure Sensitive Backing

Facings can be laminated to one or both sides. Backing can be added with or without a Mylar carrier. Facings and backing can add properties such as dimensional stability, vapor resistance, wipability or asthetics. Available in roll form, sheets, tapes, or die-cut parts.

More information about Facings and Backing »