PVC Foam Applications

Due to its exceptional versatility, PVC foam is one of the most commonly used materials in the world. PVC foam was created to satisfy the requirements of numerous application possibilities but is most commonly found in the sign industry.

To best make use of all the advantages PVC foam board offers, it’s essential to understand what it is and how its numerous properties can benefit various projects.

What is PVC Foam?

PVC foam—also called polyvinyl chloride foam—is a strong, closed-cell, free foam PVC sheet material that is simple to handle and is suitable for various applications. It can be easily sawed, die-cut, drilled or bound. PVC foam has a lot of benefits, including excellent impact resistance, high strength, outstanding durability, low water absorption, high corrosion resistance, and fire resistance. Due to these benefits, the material is ideal for use in both indoor and outdoor settings, including inclement weather.

PVC foam makes an excellent substitute for materials like wood or aluminum because it can last up to 40 years without suffering significant damage. PVC foam costs will vary compared to more conventional materials, but PVC foam usually comes out ahead as it does not need as much upkeep to remain in top condition.

Characteristics of PVC Foam

Typically, PVC foam comes in rigid sheets with a matte finish. A wide range of colors is available, and the color is consistent throughout the sheet. As a result, even if the PVC foam board is cut or scratched, flaws should not be very noticeable because the material underneath is the same color.

One of its most practical qualities is that PVC foam board is so lightweight. In addition, the plastic has microscopic air spaces since it is made of foam, drastically lowering its density. This makes it simple to use and install. It can also be used for portable signs and displays where the components need to be moved quickly and conveniently from one place to another.

The versatility of PVC foam is another advantageous quality in that It is available in a wide range of sizes and colors. Additionally, it can be cut with a knife or other work blade, routed, or die cut in gauges up to 5mm. As a result, it can have an aesthetic appeal and be simple to integrate into current signage or other applications.

Advantages of PVC Foam

The characteristics of PVC foam board bring a lot to the table. In addition to those features come some considerable advantages:

• Strong and Durable: PVC foam boards are extremely strong due to their molecular structure, ensuring that they don’t deform. The boards can last decades without damage.
• Water Resistant: PVC foam boards have strong water resistance and will not expand or change their makeup when in contact with moisture.
• Fire Resistant: PVC foam boards are fire resistant and can be used anyplace. Acid, heat, or light do not affect it.
• Corrosion Resistant: PVC doesn’t react when exposed to chemicals. This preserves its condition and protects it from any distortion.

Popular Applications for PVC Foam

PVC foam signs are highly affordable for a range of sign applications. PVC foam sheet is ideal for directional signage, POS displays, display boards, menu boards, and real estate signs since it is strong and reliably shows colors.

With the use of PVC foam, the building and construction industry has also experienced significant advancements. The adaptability of PVC foam allows builders, architects, and designers to be as imaginative as they want with their ideas. Examples are architectural columns, decorative shutters, store fixtures, shower pans, furniture, outdoor kitchens, and other anti-microbial surfaces.

Applications of PVC foam enjoy tremendous popularity for use in exhibition halls. Trade show booths, display cases, staging and event displays, and kiosks made of PVC foam have gotten easier to install and use because it is lightweight and straightforward to work with.

Marine-grade PVC foam has been specially created for marine market applications to endure harsh environments. This marine PVC foam can create various products with excellent performance, including marine upholstery substrate, swim platforms, coring material for backing plates, and cup holders.

Perhaps a little surprisingly, due to the boards' exceptional resilience, PVC foam boards are also often used for wall paneling, shelving, photo mounts and framing, children’s toys, and office furniture.

PVC Foam Board at Piedmont Plastics

Given PVC foam’s proven track record of performing well in strength, durability, and versatility, it makes an excellent and reliable choice for many applications and industries.

Piedmont Plastics offers a selection of PVC boards in various gauges, colors, and sizes. Contact our materials experts today for more information on how they can help you with your next project.