The Use Of Foam In Boxes
Publish date: June 15, 2011 11:26 pm
Foam Introduction
Foam boxes are made out of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) which is a form of plastic. It is an insulation material and is available in liquid form which can be applied by spraying or as solid foam boards. The two forms can also be used together to form boxes as the spray acts as an adhesive.
The foam boards are cut and tacked or wired into the desired box shape and it does not need to be too well-secured. The foam is then sprayed all around the boards and this makes the foam expand around the edges and fill the gaps. The foam is then allowed to set and it holds the box firmly in place. The tacking and wiring can then be removed and the crevices and gaps are filled with spray. This makes the box moisture-proof and also insulates it.
Foam blocks are made from polystyrene beads with the help of a blowing agent and poured into a container and heated. It is then injected into the required mold. With heat and pressure, they form foam blocks and can be shaped as desired.
Polystyrene which is white foam, is used for making into boxes for packing televisions, computers and so on. It can be molded into the desired shape and size and transports the goods in a fresh condition. Foam core is a thin layer of foam and can be made into boxes when it is sandwiched between card stocks and stuck with glue.
Why Foam is used for Boxes
Foam is an ideal material used for boxes, especially for transporting food stuff which needs insulation and protection from changes and extreme temperatures. They can also be used for packing fish and meat. They provide good packaging for confectioneries which need protection from high temperatures and act as coolers. The advantage of the foam material is that it is recyclable but it is not biodegradable and cannot be broken down naturally. However, it can be reused and hence foam boxes are used for transporting fruits, vegetables and other food stuff like meat to other places. The goods kept inside are well-insulated and kept fresh. It is very durable and can resist temperatures and shock and is also light-weight, as it contains 98% air in it.
Foam Strength
The foam strength can vary, depending on the production process that is used in the manufacture of the foam. The chemical formulation will decide the strength and according to this, some foam boards are used for packaging of lighter material, while other foam boxes can be used even for heavy machinery packaging purposes. The curing temperature of the foam when it is being produced will also affect the strength. The blowing agent used in the creation of the foam is also important in deciding whether the foam is inflammable or not. Polyurethane polymer foam boxes are quite tough and less friable when compared to the polyisocyanurate foam boxes. Hence, the stronger foam boards are used for panel applications and aircraft interiors.
Types of Foams
The most common types of foam boards used are polystyrene, polyisocyanurate and polyurethane. Large sheets of foam boards used for shipping boxes are made of molded and expanded polystyrene (MEPS). This can be easily molded into coffee cups and boxes or into large sheets. Foam packing is made from polystyrene and molded into complex shapes. This is used as boxes for holding irregular objects in a stabilized and protected manner.
The other type of polystyrene packing is also made of polystyrene foam boards which are easy and cheap to produce. They are used for packing regular shapes inside a cardboard box. They are usually about 2 inches thick. Polystyrene foam has good insulating qualities and is also used in restaurants for delivery of foods. There are foam corrugated boxes, and foam boxes specifically made for sensitive equipment packaging. Others are specifically for insulting purposes and some for packing heavy weight machines. They are also available in different colors, such as colored, white and brown boxes.
Storage and use Recommendations
Though foam is not generally attacked by pests, as it is not a natural material and does not provide any nutritional value to pests, it can easily be bored through. Hence many insects might bore through it and make it their resting or nesting place. For storing foam boxes, you can use periodic spraying with pest control sprays and even spray with orange oil. Avoid the accumulation of dust and dirt during storage by keeping it in airtight plastic bags. Dust and debris can be removed with the help of a cleaning brush. Air freshening products may be added to the bags, In order to reduce odors. The presence of water and moisture can be very damaging to foam and hence you must check out for any signs of water near your foam boxes.
