Enquiry Form

Leave your details and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Name *

Company Name

Email Address *

Telephone *

Enquiry

* Required Field

Archive for February, 2011

HDF Foams for Exercise

February 27th, 2011

Foams are versatile materials which are available in many different forms and compositions. High density foam (HDF) is a form of high quality foam which retains its shape for a long time. Naturally, there are many uses for HDF, and for many years it was used almost exclusively in the manufacture of cushions and mattresses.  However, in recent years HDF has been used in the manufacture of exercise and therapy aids.

Foam rollers
There are now HDF products available called “rollers” which have been designed solely for use as exercise aids. Rollers are basically made of cylindrically-shaped foam, usually measure between 1-3 feet long and are used by people in the gym or at home to support various body parts when doing exercise. Rollers are frequently used in Pilates to encourage people to be more confident and stable with their positioning. Rollers are also used for therapeutic purposes, as they can relieve pressure in certain areas of the body when used as self-massage devices. Because of their effectiveness, they have become established exercise aids for sports medicine professionals where they are commonly used to help rehabilitate injured athletes.

Foam blocks
HDF is also now used to make yoga blocks.  These exercise aids can be a great help in Yoga for people who want to lift themselves off the ground but do not have the strength in their core muscles to do so. By supporting their legs and thighs, yoga blocks help them to develop greater strength, balance, and alignment.

We stock a wide variety of foams, sponges and rubber, including memory foam and PVC.

What is PVC?

February 25th, 2011

The Facts
The acronym “PVC” refers to the scientific name of the compound “Polyvinyl Chloride”. It is produced through the polymerization of a chemical compound called “Vinyl Chloride”. It is made from 57% salt and 43% oil and gas.

The past
PVC was first commercially produced in the late 1920’s. However, it really came in to its own when World War II created a shortage of foam and rubber. PVC was found to be an incredibly useful alternative because it was resistant to two things which were a common theme during the war: fire and water. Because of this, it was used to make waterproof boots, raincoats and even aircraft fuel tanks. Its resistance to fire was because of the inclusion of chlorine. Whenever a flame was detected, chlorine atoms were released which immediately inhibited combustion. As the war ended, masses of polyvinyl chloride flexible products rapidly emerged.

The present
Because of its longevity, flexibility, practicality and cost-efficiency, PVC has gone from strength to strength and is now one of the most widely used plastics in the world. It is all around us and helps to make our lives safer and more comfortable.  It is an incredibly versatile material which is resistant to oil, chemicals, weathering, sunlight and fire. It can therefore be seen in a host of every day items such as bottles, packaging, clothing, toys, building materials, furniture, bedding, piping, fake leather, and much, much more.

To learn more about our other products, such as engineered foam, talk to us here at technicalfoamservices.co.uk

How to Keep Goods Safe in Transit

February 22nd, 2011

When transporting expensive or fragile goods over a long distance or to another country, it is essential for them to remain undamaged. Naturally, lots of packages get bumped and dropped during transit, so any without adequate protection will more than likely get broken. The best way of mitigating the risk of damage to any transported goods is to use protective packaging. Foam packaging is a great option as it is available in sheets or rolls and is designed to provide the best possible protection.

Simple

The simplest way to pack an average item for transit is to line a standard cardboard box with foam rolls and then place foam sheets between each individual item. However, there are also cardboard boxes available which have separate compartments built in to help keep fragile goods from knocking against each other. Wrapping individual items in bubble wrap and then putting them in these compartments will ensure that all items remain as safe as they possibly can be.

Cost effective

Some people may think that protective packaging is an extra expense, but it can actually save money by making sure expensive goods remain in one piece. Goods that are damaged in transit can cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds, so it is essential to get the best protective packaging available.

Foam packaging really is the safest way of making sure that any transported goods remain suitably protected to withstand the inevitable moments of impact that occur during transportation. We can supply a wide range of foam products, all of which are suitable for a vast number of applications.

How is Foam Actually Cut?

February 20th, 2011

Foam is a very versatile product which can be used for many different applications. With modern, state-of-the-art cutting equipment, all foams can be cut to size in various different ways including dissected blocks, rolls and sheets.  There are several different ways to cut foam but the most popularly used methods are:-
Hot wire cutting

As the name suggests, this involves using a very hot thin metal wire to melt foams at the exact point of contact.  Although this type of cutting can only be used on specific foams, it is a very effective way of shaping foam blocks.

CNC machine cutting

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control and uses intelligent computer programmes to cut to a very high standard of precision.  Because it is so precise, this method enables otherwise complicated three-dimensional shapes to be cut relatively easily.

Water jet cutting

This method of cutting involves forcing water through a narrow orifice and combining it with special abrasives to create a very powerful jet. This results in a very neat and precise cutting effect.

Kiss cutting

This technique involves using a machine to cut adhesive backed foam sheets into shapes without damaging or affecting the adhesive backing.

As experts in the manufacture of engineered foam, we here at Technical Foam Services can advise you on the best and most economical cutting options to suit your individual needs. We frequently update our machinery so that we can maintain our position as the UK’s leading supplier of foams.

Foams in Science & Medicine

February 17th, 2011

Foams are created by combining polymer based materials with air.  A wide range of foams can be produced which are classed as either rigid or flexible. Some foams allow air or liquids to be absorbed (open foams) while others stop air from entering or escaping (closed foams). As engineered foam is such a versatile material it is frequently used for medical and scientific purposes.

Medicine
Because foams are resistant to fungal growth and are easy to sterilise, they lend themselves perfectly to medical applications.  Absorbent swabs, sterile wipes and absorbent dressings that eliminate bacteria from wounds are made from foam, as are certain intravenous drip components and surgical ray inserts.  Heat and moisture exchanging (HME) filters made from open polyether foams are also widely used in hospitals to maintain the oxygen temperature of patients who are reliant on respirators.

Science
Like the medical industry, scientific communities have also put absorbent polyester foams to excellent use in applications such as water and air filtration systems. Foam has also been shaped to provide snug fitting inserts for the safe transportation of items ranging from consumer electronics to scientific instruments. It can also be seen how science has utilised foams in more everyday applications like headphones, mattresses and noise reduction sheets.

We are a progressive foam manufacturer here at Technical Foam Services. As such, we are committed to providing the most innovative and high quality foam and rubber products at the best prices for science, for medicine, and for you.

Foam Products for All Industries

February 14th, 2011

Foam has a broad range of applications and is used extensively in industry. It can be used for anything from electronics to construction, and to show you its broad appeal here are just a few industries where foam products can be used to great effect:

•    Transport. There really is no limit to the number of uses for foam in this industry, with everything from aerospace walls to fire retardant train seating needing this particular material in some capacity.
•    Engineering. Again there are a wide range of uses, from acoustics and gaskets to air and dust filters. It’s lightweight yet robust, making it ideal for a lot of heavy-duty situations.
•    Automotive. A huge range of automotive components can be created using this material, including hoses, pipes, dust filters and polishing pads.
•    Medicine and science. Another area that’s often overlooked, but the right type of foam can in fact be used to form anything from wound dressings and bedding to HME filters (and as long as you find a supplier that can guarantee sterilised products – such as us – then you needn’t worry about meeting standards).

As you can see, there really is huge scope for this particular material. If you’re looking for someone to manufacture your foam products, then you need to come to us to see what we have to offer. We can supply a huge range of products, including closed cell foams, for any industry necessary and can develop bespoke items according to your own unique specifications, so come and have a chat and see how you can make this material work for your business.

Foam in the Home

February 11th, 2011

Many of us take general household items for granted these days, but most of the time a great deal of thought will have been put into their construction. And, did you know that many of the products we use on a daily basis are actually made out of foam? If you look around you’ll be able to find countless foam products littering your home, and you’ll soon see the benefits that this particular material can bring.

The obvious ones will be things like sponge foam, cosmetic applicators and polishing pads, as well as various different types of bedding and furnishings. But, it doesn’t stop there. Look a little deeper and you’ll find plenty of other options as well, with PVC ring binders and mouse mats being a common sight in many homes and offices. Then you’ve got aquatic filters, car and motorbike filters and even sports equipment such as buoyancy aids – all of these products, and many more besides, will have been made out of varying different types of foam.

Given its versatility it isn’t surprising to see many foam products being used on a daily basis in homes throughout the country (and beyond). It’s easy to overlook them, but when you think about it the range of applications is really quite incredible. If you’re looking for these types of foam products then you need to come and have a chat today, and we’ll soon show you the range of items that can be created using this most versatile and underestimated of materials.

Finding the Foam Suppliers that Do the Job

February 8th, 2011

If you’re looking for foam suppliers, then you’re always going to want access to the best ones possible. They should be able to provide quality foam products at exceptional prices, but just how can you make sure you’re getting the supplier that does the job?

Well, you first of all need to decide what you actually expect from a foam producer?. Are you looking for them to provide foam products for the home or for industrial reasons? Do they need to be cost-effective? What range of products do you need them to create? All of these questions (and many more besides) will have an impact on your overall choice, and once you’ve finalised your expectations it’s time to start your search.

You’ll probably want to start by heading online. By undertaking your search in this manner you’ll have access to far more options than you otherwise would, and you’ll be able to check for recommendations and reviews at the same time. It’ll be easy to see what each company can offer just by looking at their web page, but if you’re looking for the best then you need to come to us.

We’re able to provide top-quality foam products for all uses, and being leading manufacturers in the industry we’ll be able to create anything you could want. Our range covers everything from technical products to household items, and if you need something tailor-made you simply have to ask. So, come to us today and you can look forward to finding one of the best foam suppliers around that guarantees to do the job. Why not come and see for yourself?

Foam for All Uses

February 5th, 2011

You may not initially think it, but foam has a whole range of different uses. It can be used for industrial materials as well as for domestic use, and the versatility of the product means there’s no end to the number of applications it can fulfil.

It can come in a range of different connotations from foam sheets to solid blocks, making it incredibly versatile and easily tailored to any use necessary. The one we might readily think of in the home is memory foam, now commonly seen in the mattresses and pillows of people looking for a great night’s sleep, but it has so many more uses besides including sponges, furnishings and even stationery.

It can be used just as readily in an industrial setting as well, with it being used for everything from thermal insulation to seals and gaskets. Being available both in rigid and flexible versions makes it ideal for a whole range of uses, and this versatility, combined with its lightweight and durable nature, makes foam products the material choice for a number of different applications.

As you can see, foam really can be used for any product or purpose imaginable. The sheer range of options makes it ideal for a whole range of uses, and if you want to see the benefits it can bring to your business make sure to come to us today. We’re leading manufacturers in the foam industry and know exactly what its capabilities are, so come and have a chat and you’ll soon see just how versatile it can be.

Think You Don’t Need Foam? Think Again

February 2nd, 2011

People not in the industry may not initially know just how beneficial foam could be, thinking that other materials could do the job just as well. But, foam can in fact be used for a range of applications and can be a vital part of a lot of different industries, so you might need to rethink your initial premise.

Engineered foam can come in all shapes and sizes to be suitable for a number of different products, being manufactured in sheets, rolls, blocks and indeed plenty of other connotations. You might like flexible options or perhaps a rigid kind depending on your needs – whatever you want, you’ll be able to find it.

Foam can be used in just about any industry imaginable from the automotive industry to electronics, and it can even be used in the realm of medicine for beddings and wound dressings. But, it can be just as beneficial for products in the home, with it being used for everything from polishing pads to car and motorbike filters. The uses are endless, and you could well find that you’ll have to use this most adaptable of materials no matter what industry you’re in.

So, if you think you don’t need foam, make sure to rethink your decision. It can be used in all industries for a whole range of products, such as foam blocks, and if you’d like to see the range of applications it can be used for then make sure to get in touch and we’ll be happy to advise.