What IXPE foam is
IXPE (irradiation cross-linked polyethylene) foam is cross-linked by an electron beam rather than by a chemical agent. Because no cross-linking agent is involved, the irradiation produces a finer and more uniform cell structure, which is why IXPE has better resilience, a smoother surface and better shock absorption than chemically cross-linked foam at the same density. It is light, soft, chemically resistant and odourless, and resists water, seawater, oils, acids and alkalis.
This page is the overview of the IXPE family. For the mechanical property table and for ordering, see the IXPE foam product page.
Grades in the IXPE family
IXPE is graded by expansion ratio, which fixes the apparent density. Tearing strength, water absorption and thermal conductivity for every ratio are on the product page. Hardness is worth a table of its own here, because on IXPE it depends on how thick the sheet is as well as on the ratio.
| Expansion | Apparent density | Shore hardness (C), sheet over 3 mm | Shore hardness (C), sheet 3 mm and under | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3× | 300±40 kg/m³ | 65–75 | - | Rigid; the densest grade we make |
| 5× | 200±30 kg/m³ | 60–70 | 55–65 | Firm structural parts |
| 8× | 125±15 kg/m³ | 50–60 | 45–55 | Firm, general load bearing |
| 10× | 100±10 kg/m³ | 45–50 | 35–45 | The all-round grade |
| 15× | 66.7±8 kg/m³ | 35–45 | 25–35 | Firm but still flexible |
| 20× | 50±6 kg/m³ | 30–35 | 20–25 | Cushioning and padding |
| 25× | 40±4 kg/m³ | 25–30 | - | Soft cushioning |
| 30× | 33.3±3 kg/m³ | 18–25 | - | Soft and conformable |
| 35× | 28.6±2 kg/m³ | 13–20 | 15–20 | Very soft |
| 40× | 26.8±3 kg/m³ | 13–20 | - | The softest grade we make |
A dash means we have no measured hardness for that combination rather than a value we have not verified.
Choosing an IXPE grade
| What the part has to do | Expansion | Apparent density | Single-layer thickness | Why this band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra-thin liners for keyboards, displays and precision devices | 25–40× | 26.8–40 kg/m³ | 0.1–3 mm | Irradiation cross-linking lets IXPE go thinner than XPE without the cells breaking down. |
| Food and medical packaging | 20–30× | 33.3–50 kg/m³ | 0.1–15 mm | Odourless, with the fine cell that keeps a clean, printable surface. |
| Sports mats and protective padding | 20–30× | 33.3–50 kg/m³ | 3–15 mm | Better shock absorption than a chemically cross-linked foam of the same density. |
| Anti-static and conductive linings | 15–25× | 40–66.7 kg/m³ | 0.1–15 mm | Conductive grades are available - surface resistance is listed on the product page. |
| Acoustic and thermal insulation | 20–35× | 28.6–50 kg/m³ | 0.1–15 mm | Closed cells, with thermal conductivity of 0.040–0.055 W/m·K across this band. |
How we supply IXPE
- Expansion 3–40×, widths from 500 mm to 2000 mm
- Single-layer 0.1–15 mm, thinner than XPE; heat-bonded multilayer 15–200 mm
- Black, white, grey or custom colours
- Flame-retardant and low-smoke grades available
- Die-cutting, lamination, printing and adhesive coating
IXPE is the fine-celled member of the family. Compare it with XPE, which is chemically cross-linked, firmer at the same density and available in thicker single layers, and with IXPP where a higher service temperature is the deciding factor. Contact us with the part and we will recommend a grade.
IXPE foam specifications and custom parts · All foam materials · Request a quote
