EPO foam molding
// A PS/polyolefin composite bead foam: it holds its shape like a rigid foam but still takes impact like a cushioning one. Choose EPO when your part needs firm support at very low weight — 16 to 33 g/L — plus low thermal conductivity in the same wall — and it meets the 80°C automotive evaluation basis.
Property comparison· click a grade to highlight
| Property | 30× · 33 g/L | 50× · 20 g/L | 60× · 16 g/L | Test method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expansion ratio | 30× | 50× | 60× | — |
| Density (g/L) | 33 | 20 | 16 | JIS K 6767 |
| Compression strength (kPa) | JIS K 6767 | |||
| @ 10% strain | 160 | 120 | 90 | |
| @ 25% strain | 190 | 150 | 120 | |
| Flexural strength (kPa) | 370 | 340 | 260 | JIS A 9511 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 0.53 | 0.38 | 0.28 | ISO 1798 |
| Elongation at break (%) | 8.2 | 9.7 | 7.6 | ISO 1798 |
| Compression set (%) | 14.1 | 15.4 | 15.0 | JIS K 6767 |
| Thermal conductivity @20°C (W/m·K) | 0.037 | 0.038 | 0.039 | JIS A 1412 |
| Falling-ball impact value (cm) | 35.5 | 46.0 | 35.0 | JIS K 7211 |
| Heat resistance | Meets the 80°C automotive-industry evaluation basis | — | ||
Grade selection guide
Rigid support · heavier parts, edge & corner protection
30× · 33 g/L190 kPa @25% · 370 kPa flexuralHighest stiffness and bending strength of the three.
General protective packaging · best impact absorption
50× · 20 g/L150 kPa @25% · 46.0 cm impactThe sweet spot: highest falling-ball value at low weight.
Weight-critical protection & insulating voids
60× · 16 g/L120 kPa @25% · 0.039 W/(m·K)Lightest option; still 120 kPa at 25% strain.
// Different structures, different test standards — read this as a shortlist aid, not a like-for-like ranking. Tell us the load, temperature and handling your part sees, and we will narrow it down with you.
| Property | EPP | EPO | E-PE | EVA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | Molded PP bead foam | PS/polyolefin composite bead foam | Molded PE bead foam | Cross-linked closed-cell EVA |
| Density range | 20–66 kg/m³ | 16–33 g/L | 20–74 g/L | 30–50 g/L |
| Compression stress @25% | 80–395 kPa | 120–190 kPa | 60.7–296.5 kPa | 39–50 kPa |
| Tensile strength | 420–1350 kPa | 0.28–0.53 MPa | 275.8–827.4 kPa | 520–749 kPa |
| Elongation at break | ≥15% | 7.6–9.7% | 22–38% | 205–243% |
| Thermal conductivity | ≈0.036–0.042 W/(m·K) | 0.037–0.039 W/(m·K) | 0.0346–0.0433 W/(m·K) | not published |
| Service temperature | ≈ up to 100°C | 80°C automotive evaluation¹ | max 80°C | max 65°C recommended |
| Water absorption | ≤8% | not published | <5 vol.% | <1% |
| Character | Tough, resilient, reusable — the workhorse | Stiffer support with impact resistance | Flexible, water-resistant, widest density span | Soft, high elongation, conforms and rebounds |