molded E-PE polyethylene foam
// Bead-molded polyethylene foam — not extruded EPE sheet or solid LDPE. Pick PE when your part has to flex, be handled repeatedly, live around moisture, or when you want to dial in stiffness precisely: seven densities from 20 to 74 g/L cover soft cushioning right through to firm load-bearing.
Property comparison· click a density to highlight
| Property | 20 | 24 | 30 | 37 | 45 | 67 | 74 | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density (g/L) | 20 | 24 | 30 | 37 | 45 | 67 | 74 | D3575 |
| Compression strength (kPa) | D3575 | |||||||
| @ 10% | 44.8 | 55.2 | 70.3 | 91.0 | 115.8 | 202.7 | 241.3 | |
| @ 25% | 60.7 | 71.0 | 88.3 | 113.8 | 142.7 | 246.1 | 296.5 | |
| @ 50% | 114.5 | 126.9 | 151.7 | 190.3 | 231.0 | 386.1 | 482.6 | |
| @ 75% | 293.0 | 328.2 | 383.3 | 443.3 | 519.9 | 779.1 | 896.3 | |
| Tensile strength (kPa) | 275.8 | 310.3 | 358.5 | 427.5 | 482.6 | 675.7 | 827.4 | D3575 |
| Elongation (%) | 38 | 35 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 22 | 22 | D3575 |
| Tear strength (kN/m) | 2.45 | 2.80 | 2.98 | 3.33 | 3.68 | 4.90 | 5.95 | D3575 |
| Compression set @25% (%) | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 7 | D3575 |
| Compression set @50% (%) | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 15 | D3575 |
| Thermal conductivity (W/m·K) | 0.0375 | 0.0346 | 0.0346 | 0.0346 | 0.0346 | 0.0404 | 0.0433 | C177 |
| Max service temp (°C) | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 | D3575 |
| Water absorption (vol.%) | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 | D3575/C272 |
| FMVSS 302 burn test | Pass, all densities | FMVSS 302 | ||||||
| Acid / alkali / solvent, 1 h contact | Pass, all densities | — | ||||||
Density selection guide
Soft surface protection · scratch-free interleaving
20–24 g/L60.7–71.0 kPa @25%Softest, highest elongation — kindest to finished surfaces.
Returnable packaging & line-side trays
30–37 g/L88.3–113.8 kPa @25%The everyday choice: low set after repeated cycles.
Heavier parts · stacked loads
45 g/L142.7 kPa @25%More support without losing flexibility.
Load-bearing inserts & high-impact zones
67–74 g/L246–296 kPa @25% · 5.95 kN/m tearFirmest and hardest to tear.
// 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 |