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What is EPS?
Expanded Polystyrene is a light weight and chemically inert rigid foam material known for shock absorption and thermal insulation.
Is EPS Recyclable?
EPS Foam can be reused over and over and over again. Recycled EPS Foam can be used in horticulture (ground and mixed with the soil), as building insulation, and loose packaging material, in craft products and in many other ways.
How is EPS Manufactured?
EPS is supplied as many small particles and manufactured in a two step process:
| 1) |
Particles containing the non-CFC blowing agent are pre-expanded by heating. The polymer is softened and the blowing agent vaporized. Temperature and time of heat exposure sets the amount of expansion to density of the bead. The particles are then stored to allow them to stabilize. |
| 2) |
Molding: the expanded particles are injected into a mold in the shape of the desired product. With the addition of steam, the particles then soften and expand to form the finished foam product. |
| When fabricating foam, a third process is added where the molded block is cut with a hot wire into smaller more complex pieces. |
What is EPS Used For?
Shipping Containers
Protective Packaging
Thermal Insulation
Display
Etc.
When Should I Choose EPS?
| 1) |
EPS (expanded polystyrene) is used for blocking and bracing because of its light weight, strength,
and design versatility. These characteristics permit reductions in shipping weight, storage space,
product damage and assembly labor which in turn result in overall lower cost. Fragile items must be
protected from excessive shocks, this protection is provided by cushioning materials which deflect,
allowing the product to decelerate over a longer distance and time. |
| 2) |
EPS is the right choice for insulation
when goods have to be protected from extreme or various temperatures during shipment and storage, or
when they have to reach their destination at a specified temperature, thermal insulating packs must be
used. This an obvious application for EPS since since it possesses outstanding thermal insulation properties,
due to its closed-cell foam structure consisting of small air bubbles. |
| 3) |
EPS is the right choice for structual components because it is a rigid, closed cell, cellular plastic with
density dependent properties. As an insulative formwork, EPS can be examined and be found ideal for this application.
EPS is an excellant insulator and while working with concrete it provides a strong, rigid structure. |
Where Can EPS Be Seen?
EPS foam is the material commonly found in protective cushion pads like end caps or cocoons for computers,
stereo equipment, televisions and VCR's. It is also used in a multitude of other applications, such as ice chests, buoys, craft items, construction insulation, material handling or
dunnage trays, and point- of- purchase displays, just to name a few.
Why Does EPS Make an Excellent Flotation Device?
The density of EPS is low compared to water. Foam can be as light as one pound per cubic foot
compared to 62.4 pounds per cubic foot for water. The water buoyancy per cubic foot of EPS is determined
arithmetically by subtracting the pcf density of the foam from 62.4. The result is the weight (pounds)
which a cubic foot of foamed polystyrene can support water. The closed cell structure of EPS has an
advantage over large empty enclosures frequently used for floatation applications. The large empty enclosure
may lose its buoyancy when punctured. A large enclosure filled with EPS can be punctured without loss of buoyancy,
as long as the foam remains in place.
How Do I Contact Cincinnati Foam Products With Additional Questions?
Please visit our Contact page.
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