Choosing the right foam for your custom case insert is critical to ensure your product arrives intact, without scratches, damages, mold, or anything else unwanted that will create an overall unpleasant unboxing experience. However, with the number of foams available, it’s hard to know which one is the “correct” choice for your packaging needs. Keep reading to learn tips on how to choose the right foam for your custom case insert and where to find the best provider for your needs.
When it comes to selecting foam for custom case inserts, there are things to keep in mind to ensure you have the right packaging for your needs. If you use the wrong foam, the level of cushioning might not be adequate or you could be paying too much for a foam that won’t work. Selecting the proper foam for your packaging is crucial to only paying for what you need and adding the necessary padding to prevent damage during shipping.
Follow the steps below to choose the best foam for your custom case insert.
Before you can choose which type of foam to use for your custom case, you first need to consider what you need to achieve. Ask yourself the following questions:
Taking these questions with you into the design process will help an experienced packaging expert recommend the ideal foam for your application. If you have any questions throughout the process, your foam packaging provider will be happy to help.
Next on your agenda is figuring out the necessary foam type for your custom case insert. The best way to choose a foam is to work directly with a packaging expert like Foam Industries to select the right material for your case insert project. With so many factors at play, it’s impossible to recommend a one-size-fits-all option.
That being said, there are a few high-level differences between the most common types of foam that you can take into consideration.
Below are the three most common types of foam used in packaging, and their ideal applications.
Polyethylene (PE) Foam
This is one of the most common types of foam you’ll find in packaging. It’s durable, lightweight, easy to fabricate, and resistant to mold and mildew. It can also be fabricated in a way that allows less material to still achieve the same level of quality. These attributes make it ideal for packaging heavier items.
Polyurethane (PU) Foam
Polyurethane foam is ideal for lightweight, fragile, and delicate objects. This flexible foam is easy to fabricate and cut in a variety of shapes, while still offering a high amount of cushioning.
Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) Foam
Cross-linked polyethylene is the Cadillac of the foam world. This is the highest-quality protective foam on the market. It’s extremely long-lasting and durable, endlessly customizable, and doesn’t scratch paint. For these reasons, it’s ideal for marketing, branding, and display purposes.
Understanding what each of these foams offers helps narrow down the selection for your custom foam insert for your case. If you’d like more information, we have another article that goes more in-depth on foam types used for packaging: What Kind of Foam is Used for Packaging?
While you can figure out the basics of foam packaging on your own, there’s so much more that goes into your selection. From choosing the proper durability to ensuring you have the right cushion and overall feel, your selection is a huge turning point. Since there are a lot of complexities that go into it, working with a foam packaging partner is crucial. Selecting the right foam for your case insert requires a lot of in-depth knowledge and research that is best left to a professional. The best way to pick a foam packaging option is to work with a partner you can trust. They’ll suggest the right foam for your project that hits that sweet spot of necessary durability at the most effective cost.
To find the highest quality foam for your packaging and a team with know-how for your custom case insert, you can search for reputable manufacturers online or you can choose our team at Foam Industries. With years of experience in the foam industry, we’ll guide you through the process and help you select the best foam for your shipping and packaging needs.
As a leader in the packaging industry, Foam Industries has set the bar with an unwavering commitment to quality, exceptional client service, and constant innovation. Through our extensive inventory of endlessly customizable products, we ensure you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Foam Industries is a custom protective packaging company specializing in foam – with additional wood and plastic fabrication services. Our custom foam fabrication services are ideal for any type of packaging, display, or support service needed – from design to finished product.