One of the most popular - and effective - ways of changing how packaging foam looks and performs is through lamination. But what is foam lamination, exactly? Our team at Foam Industries is here to tell you what it is, how it works, explore the benefits, and more.
What is Foam Lamination?
First, you need to understand what lamination is. Lamination is the act of layering composite material to change the appearance of a piece of foam. This can be done with other types of foam, other textiles or coatings. For foam packaging, this is used as the final step to change the appearance of a piece of foam, typically a case insert.
How is Foam Laminated?
There are two primary ways foam is laminated: through adhesive lamination and heat lamination.
Adhesive lamination is exactly what it sounds like - it’s when an adhesive is applied to the surface of your foam part to laminate it. This can be done through pressure-sensitive adhesives or heat.
Heat lamination bonds two foams together - in this process, the two are put through a machine together and fused through heat.
Why Would You Laminate Foam?
Now onto the part that most people care about: why would you laminate foam? Typically, it’s for one of two reasons (or both): to make it perform better or look better.
Because foam lamination allows you to combine multiple materials together, you can tap into the advantages of that other material. For example, you might laminate a piece of foam to help improve its ability to repel moisture. This can be useful to further protect the item itself and retain the design of your piece of foam.
On the appearance side, laminations can be an easier way to add color, design and other effects to a foam case insert without sacrificing performance. Lamination unlocks a whole world of new design possibilities.
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Let’s look at one example, from a project we worked on with a client.
Here, laminate is used on the case insert to create a backdrop in the iconic Coke red. This not only elevates the entire appearance of the packaging, but it also helps subtly reinforce the brand’s identity.
Why is Foam Lamination Important in the Packaging Industry?
Here are some of the benefits that you can gain from using laminated foam for packaging:
- Better cushioning
- More effective moisture resistance and repelling
- Creates a soft touch
- Smooth appearance
- Ability to add colors, text and other design elements
Foam lamination has numerous advantages in the packaging industry. Whether it’s for practical or aesthetic purposes, foam lamination can provide added benefits for a better project result every time.
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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.
