Crosslink Foam: properties, applications, and advantages in different industries

Our goal is to provide you with a detailed explanation of Crosslink foam and its application in various industries, the types of chemical bases to be used according to different needs, as well as their properties and key features.

Crosslink foam is a foamed material, manufactured based on polyethylene, EVA, or a mix of polyethylene and EVA. Its closed-cell structure and crosslinked chemical bonds give it properties such as water, heat, and chemical resistance. Additionally, it has excellent impact cushioning capabilities, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from the automotive industry to embroidery.

The material's versatility, stemming from its structure and the various formulas used in its production, is crucial for its use across different industries.

Besides the key characteristics that define the material's application are:

Hardness

Density

Flexibility

Texture

Color

Among the aforementioned characteristics, hardness and density are fundamental aspects considered according to the material's use in each industry. An important factor in defining these properties is the chemical base: polyethylene and/or EVA.

There is a tendency to think that Crosslink foam and EVA foam are different, but they are, in fact, the same product. Therefore, Crosslink foam based on EVA is the correct way to refer to it.

Applications of Crosslink foam in different industries

Automotive industry

Durability, aesthetics, ease of maintenance, as well as thermal and acoustic insulation properties, are the main reasons why companies in the automotive industry choose Crosslink foam as a material for various components, both for the exterior and interior of vehicles.

Explore Crosslink foam products for manufacturing items in the automotive industry >

Racks and packaging industry

In the production of racks and packaging, the use of Crosslink foam is driven by its cushioning and impact-absorbing capabilities, which prevent damage to transported goods. Some of these applications include:

• Watchmaking
• Motors
• Electronic devices
• Electrical system cards

The packaging industry also employs expanded polyethylene foam. However, this product has different characteristics compared to Crosslink foam.

Explore Crosslink foam products used as inputs in the racks and packaging industry >

Sports industry

Crosslink foam offers unique properties such as superior cushioning, water resistance, high durability, and lightweight. These features make it suitable for a wide range of applications in the sports industry, enabling the production of items such as:

• Archery targets
• Rackets
• Swim boards
• Gloves

Learn more about Crosslink foam products used in the manufacturing of sports equipment here >

Flooring and mats industry

Crosslink foam is used in children's play areas and gyms due to its ability to provide safety, cushioning, impact absorption, and its variety of colors. It offers a soft and padded surface that protects users from potential injuries. Additionally, it is resilient and durable, ensuring long-term use in highly trafficked areas.

Discover more about Crosslink foam products used in the development of floors here >

Footwear industry

The footwear industry is among the major users of Crosslink foam as a raw material, thanks to its ease of molding, cushioning, and lightweight properties. It enhances the performance, comfort, and durability of athletic and activewear shoes.

Learn more about the ideal Crosslink foam products used in footwear manufacturing here >

Transformers industry

The main objective of the transformers industry is to cut Crosslink foam to develop various products according to their customer's requirements. The specific needs that the transformer must address greatly depend on the assigned project, so there isn't a pre-defined product for them. However, there are techniques to cut the foam according to the required properties in order to optimize performance.

Learn more about this industry here >

Personal safety industry

Impact resistance and the ability to conform to different contours are crucial when using Crosslink foam as a material for producing items designed for personal safety, which include:

• Vests
• Chest protectors
• Knee pads
• Elbow pads
• Helmets

Explore Crosslink foam products used in the manufacturing of personal safety articles >

Teaching materials industry

Due to its non-toxic nature and ease of cutting into various shapes, combined with the wide range of colors that its formulation allows based on the chosen manufacturer, Crosslink foam is used in crafting and educational activities.

These are the Crosslink foam products used for manufacturing didactic materials >

Embroidery Industry

Crosslink foam is ideal for the embroidery industry, where it is used to add texture to decorative elements in various products.

Discover the Crosslink foam products used in the embroidery industry >

Tips for optimizing crosslink foam in the production process

Considerations for choosing the ideal Crosslink foam

As seen earlier, the ideal Crosslink foam is chosen according to the industry and the product you will manufacture. In summary, it's important to consider the following points when selecting the ideal Crosslink foam:

Have a well-defined project for which the Crosslink foam will be used.

Identify what you aim to achieve with the chosen material (water resistance, thermal insulation, parts protection, etc.)

Seek advice from a Crosslink foam specialist to ensure the product has the appropriate density and hardness for the project.

Conduct tests to ensure the material's quality and suitability for the product under development. This will help avoid unnecessary expenses by repeating the production process. It is essential to perform physical tests such as hardness, density, elongation, tear strength, and compression set in a laboratory to ensure that the Crosslink foam meets the technical specifications and quality requirements of each production process.

The volume of Crosslink foam you need to purchase will depend on your project's requirements. If you have a high volume, it is recommended to buy directly from a manufacturer to optimize costs.

Similarly, if your project requires a specific development, it is important to start from scratch with a manufacturer equipped with a laboratory to analyze its characteristics.

Contact us to help you with the development of your product >

If you need an off-the-shelf product and the volume is not high, it's advisable to purchase from a Distributor. This will help reduce delivery times, although the price may be slightly higher.