XPE and IXPE foam can be reviewed as tape carriers, support padding or device-packaging components. Specify the component, its contact conditions and the evidence required by the finished-product project before selecting a grade.
Define contact and the delivered component
State whether the foam contacts skin, a device, another layer or only the outside of a sealed package. Include contact duration, compression, adhesive and facing. A foam backing is not automatically a sterile barrier, a finished medical device or an approved patient-contact material.
Material ranges and test conditions
Factory data: density is a nominal-grade range; tolerances and ratio-specific performance are on the linked material pages. Capability ranges do not establish that every grade, thickness and facing combination is available.
| Property | XPE | IXPE |
|---|---|---|
| Expansion ratio | 3–40× | 3–40× |
| Nominal density (kg/m³) | 26.8–300 | 26.8–300 |
| Single layer (mm) | 3–15 | 0.1–15 |
| Heat-bonded multi-layer (mm) | 15–200 | 15–200 |
| Width (mm) | 500–2000 | 500–2000 |
| Compression set: GB/T 6669, 23±2 °C, 22 h | Limits ≤2%–≤11%, by ratio | Limits ≤2%–≤11%, by ratio |
| Water absorption: GB/T 1034, method 4 | ≤0.2%–≤0.4% | ≤0.2%–≤0.4% |
For XPE and IXPE at 35x and 40x, the compression-set limit is ≤11%. Read each other ratio separately on its material page.
Cleaning, particles and chemistry need specific evidence
Low water absorption does not establish a contamination-free surface, non-shedding performance or suitability for a cleaning or sterilisation process. Provide the proposed agents, concentration, temperature and cycle, together with particle or extractables requirements. We confirm available grade information and feasibility; we do not infer those results from a closed-cell structure.
Keep material information and device approval distinct
Bofeng Foam supplies foam material and drawing-based conversion. We do not claim ISO 10993 biocompatibility testing or medical-device regulatory clearance. The finished-product manufacturer defines the required biological assessment, sterilisation validation and regulatory evidence. Management-system certification does not approve the component for a medical use.
Review the layer stack and electronics separately
Identify the core, facing, adhesive, liner and actual bonding surface. A requirement for thin sheet does not approve every laminate at the same gauge. Conductive or anti-static grades are reviewed only when the electronic equipment and its ESD plan call for them; resistance alone does not establish electrical safety or packaging shielding.
Approve the actual part
Send the drawing revision, thickness, dimensions, quantity and acceptance conditions. Check fit, compression, cut edges, adhesive and the specified tests on representative components. Keep the approved material identity and sample record; review changes rather than assume every repeat construction has the same qualification.
Project FAQ
Does the foam have ISO 10993 approval?
We do not claim ISO 10993 biocompatibility testing or medical-device clearance. Tell us the required material information for your finished-product assessment.
Does low absorption prove cleanability or low particles?
No. Define cleaning or sterilisation exposure and particle or extractables acceptance, then review evidence for the selected grade and complete component.
Ordering and approval
Standard rolls and sheets: MOQ 1,000 m². Custom parts: minimum quantity confirmed from the drawing. Standard lead time is 15–20 days from order confirmation; confirm the selected specification and schedule. A4 material samples are free with shipping included; converted samples, dies and fixtures are quoted separately.
Agree the material identity, drawing revision, critical dimensions, measurement conditions and required evidence before production; retain the approval record for repeat orders and review changes.