PU Foam, Polyester, Polyurethane and Polyether Foams
PU foam (polyurethane foam) is a lightweight, open-cell material used across industries for cushioning, sealing, filtration, and acoustic control. Available in polyether, polyester, and reticulated forms, PU foam offers variable density, resilience, and permeability to suit diverse performance needs. It can be formulated for fire resistance, moisture stability, or enhanced strength through additives and treatments.
At Intec Foams, we supply and convert PU foams into custom components for industrial applications. Our expertise includes material selection, cutting, laminating, and fabricating to tight tolerances. We help manufacturers achieve the right balance of comfort, protection, and durability for their specific environments.
Polyether PU Foam (ether Foam)
Softer grades of foam and used in low cost applications such as retail and general use
Polyester PU Foam (ester foam)
A more technical foam used where more specific requirements are needed
The unique properties of PU foam also means that it is classed a sponge like material. In fact, the early types of this type of foam were created to mimic a natural sponge, and as such as used for this type of application. Intec Foams has the ability to create shapes from these grades for bespoke applications that require a low density application.
Sealtec Aqua PU Foam
Sealtec – Aqua has been developed to provide reliable sealing against gases, liquids and particulates at reduced levels of compression, in comparison to traditional PU sealing foams which have inferior qualities. Needs only a 30% compression to achieve a seal.
Key Features v’s conventional PU foams for sealing
- Improved Durability
- Improved Hydrolytic
- Stability (better in water/moisture)
- Lower compression to create a seal
- Fine cell structure
- Soft
- Low density
Firetec PU Foam
Available in polyether and polyester versions, with UL94 HF1 and V0 grades of fire retardancy which is an important factor in many electronic and acoustical applications. Also to BS 476 part 6 & 7 Class O for the Building & Construction Industry
Typical Uses:
- Lining of Electrical/
- Electronic Cabinets
- Lining of Acoustic Hoods and Generator Housings
- HVAC panels for acoustic applications
- Transfer rollers in high tech business machines
- Prison Cell Mattresses
- Fire-blockers for seating applications in aircraft
SAF (Shock Absorption Foams) Visco Elastic PU foams
A familiar feeling foam, as it is very similar to memory foam. This exhibits improved visco-elastic behaviour similar to Conforfoam™ but at a fraction of the price. Ideal for comfort management and protective padding applications especially shock absorption foam products.
- Soften and conform when exposed to heat.
- Virtually pressure free support
- High energy absorption (up to 97% of an impact)
- Resist Compression set
Typical Uses:
- Wheelchair Cushions
- Medical slings
- Wrist rests
- Shoe Insoles
Felted Foams
These are special grades of PU foams that are thermally compressed until the foam takes a compression set. Effectively, this treatment increases the density, reduces the pore size and makes the foam firmer.
This is especially effective when taking a reticulated foam and felting it. By reducing the cell size, it creates a structure which creates a “Wicking” effect and draws in liquids into the foam structure. Ideal for the creation of an ink reservoir.
The foam can be compressed by several factors, only restricted by the height of the daylight press and the final thickness required.
Typical Uses:
- Ink rollers
- Ink pads
- Acoustic pads
- Filters
- High density padding
- Most PU foams can be felted and some others too.
Special Grades
Polyurethane Foams can be developed to give specific properties or adding to existing grades
- Automotive Foam Types
- Anti-Microbial & Biocide additives to Resist Growth of mould/mildew
- Anti-Static
- Edge weldable
- Water Seal (Superseal)
- Low Permeability
- Thermoformable
- Hydrophilic – (Absorbs water)
- High Elongation – Neoprene Replacement
- UV Stabilised foams (Staywhite)
- Many Others