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Polyurethane
Softer Foam
-Polyurethane is softer
than polyethylene and is usually the standard choice for normal
custom foam inserts and the
standard choice for
pick & pluck
foam. Its density is 1.6 lb/ft3.
Absorption of Water
-Unlike polyethylene, this foam will absorb water
rather close to the capacity a sponge might, so it may not be as easy to
clean as a smooth polyethylene surface.
Vibration Dampening / Shock absorption
-Polyurethane provides excellent
shock absorption and vibration dampening for items embedded within it,
and is ideal for packaging and cushioning most objects. It is the
industry standard.
Mildew, Mold, Rot, Bacteria
-Because polyurethane can absorb
water, its resistance to mildew, fungus, mold, rot, and bacteria is less
than that of polyethylene, although if kept dry, no such growths will
ever occur. Silica gel is recommended for moist environments.
Thermal Insulator
-Polyurethane is an excellent thermal insulator, as is
polyethylene. Objects stored in the foam will be well
insulated from outside temperatures, especially in case.
Chemical Resistance
-Polyurethane has basic chemical resistance to standard
organic solvents.
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Polyethylene (PE)
Harder Foam
-Polyethylene tends to be harder and stronger than
polyurethane, making it more suitable to cushion much heavier and/or
sharper objects. Its density is 2.2 lb/ft3.
Absorption of Water
-Polyethylene, being the closed cell
foam that it is, makes for a foam with a very low water absorption. This
means that unlike polyurethane, it can be wiped clean with a wet rag or
towel with minimal absorption at 0.07 lbs/in.
Vibration Dampening / Shock absorption
-Polyethylene provides excellent
shock absorption and vibration dampening for items embedded within it,
and is ideal for packaging and cushioning heavier objects.
Mildew, Mold, Rot, Bacteria
-Polyethylene has excellent
resistance to mildew, mold, fungus, rot, and bacteria. This is due
mainly to the fact that water can easily be wiped off of the surface of
the foam rather than absorbed within it.
Thermal Insulator
-Polyethylene is an excellent thermal insulator, as is
polyurethane. Objects stored in the foam will be well insulated from outside temperatures,
this is especially true when the foam and object are inside a case.
Chemical Resistance
-Compared to Polyurethane, Polyethylene has better chemical
resistance as well as corrosion resistance.
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