What PE foam is
PE foam is a lightweight polyethylene foam supplied in low, medium and high density. It is not cross-linked, which is what makes it soft and economical while it still provides reliable cushioning, moisture resistance and thermal insulation. It is one of the most widely used protective packaging materials, and it is usually the sensible choice when the part needs protection rather than structural support.
This page is the overview of the PE family. PE foam is a supporting material in our range rather than a separate product line, so there is no dedicated product page - tell us what the part has to do and we will specify it.
PE foam at a glance
| Property | PE foam |
|---|---|
| Cross-linking | none - supplied uncross-linked |
| Density | low, medium and high density grades |
| Single-layer thickness | 0.1–100 mm |
| Service temperature | about −40 °C to 80 °C |
When to choose PE foam
PE foam sits below the cross-linked foams on load bearing and on heat, and above them on cost and on softness. That makes it the right answer in a specific set of jobs rather than a general-purpose substitute:
- General cushioning and void fill. Light, cheap and adequate where the part is not load-bearing.
- Protective liners and interleaving. Thin grades that separate and protect without adding bulk.
- Tape backing and gaskets. A soft, compressible substrate for a coated or adhesive face.
- Anti-static and conductive grades for electronics packaging. Available in the same family where a charge has to be controlled.
Where the part has to keep its shape under sustained load, or sees more than about 80 °C, a cross-linked foam is the better answer: see XPE and IXPE. Where the temperature is far higher still, see silicone foam.
How we supply PE foam
- Single-layer thicknesses from 0.1 mm to 100 mm
- Low, medium and high density grades
- Anti-static and conductive versions for electronics packaging
- Die-cutting, lamination and adhesive coating
Contact Bofeng Foam to specify density, thickness and format. If you are unsure whether PE foam is the right family at all, the materials hub sets out how the five families compare.
