Expanded PVC sheet introduction

What is PVC foam board
PVC foam sheet has many names such as expanded PVC sheet, polyvinyl chloride foam sheet and Komatex sheet. Contrary to its name, it is not made of ordinary foam, this plastic-based material is formed from expanded polyvinyl chloride. This plastic panel was first invented in 1872 by German chemist Eugen Baumann. It is known to be FDA compliant and suitable for residential and commercial applications. PVC tends to be cost-effective and easy to work with.

Science and Physical Properties of Foamed PVC
Foamed PVC is a lightweight, rigid plastic. PVC foam boards are available in densities ranging from 3 lbs/ft3 to 25 lbs/ft3. Due to its thermoplastic nature, PVC begins to soften at 149°F. Furthermore, it is highly resistant to moisture and certain chemicals, which makes it both easy to handle and extends its practical application.

Different Types of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
There are two different types of PVC such as hard PVC and soft PVC. Rigid PVC is mainly used for stronger applications such as bottles, curtain rails, window frame pipes, etc., while soft PVC is mainly used for items such as floors, roofs, shower curtains, cable and wire insulation, toys, etc.

How is PVC foam board made?
Foamed PVC is manufactured by polymerizing vinyl chloride in its monomer form. This is done by suspending the process. The original PVC foam panels were made by filling vinyl chloride tubes and exposing them to sunlight. This produced the solid white plastic now known as expanded PVC.

Is expanded PVC foam toxic?
The expanded PVC foam board is non-toxic. Since expanded PVC is made of non-toxic and environmentally friendly thermoplastic material, it is free of lead, barium, zinc and cadmium and can be recycled.
What is the resistance of PVC foam board?
Foamed PVC has excellent resistance to many elements including water, fire, mold and mildew.

Waterproof and fireproof
Foamed PVC is known for its fire resistance because it is self-extinguishing. This is due to its inherent flame resistance, PVC is not flammable and therefore will not catch fire. PVC foam sheet has a UL-94 flammability rating, making it ideal for trade show and showroom use. Due to its closed-cell structure and extremely low absorption value, expanded PVC is also an ideal plastic for outdoor applications requiring weather resistance.

Anti-mold and anti-mildew
The foamed PVC is mold and mildew resistant. Because of its non-hygroscopic and impact-resistant properties, it is the perfect material for decorative or other wood replacement projects in living and professional spaces.

weather resistance
Foamed PVC is resistant to many types of weather such as wind, rain and prolonged sun exposure. This makes PVC foam ideal for use in outdoor commercial applications.

What did you use to shape the foamed PVC?
Foamed PVC can be cut, machined, nailed, glued and screwed like wood, metal and aluminum. It can also be digitally and screen printed, painted, sawed, routed, die cut and mounted using cold mounting techniques. It has excellent fastening properties such as excellent screw and staple retention. The lightweight yet stiff composition of expanded PVC offers excellent dent and scratch resistance, making it ideal for a variety of applications.

How Strong is Foamed PVC?
Unlike many other forms of plastic, expanded PVC has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. These sheets are tough, hard, and hardwearing, yet easy to handle. The foamed PVC sheet is also lead, cadmium, zinc free and has passed all the requirements of UL 1975 which makes it safe to use and manufacture.

What is PVC foam board used for?
PVC foam board has a wealth of uses. In fact, it is one of the most versatile types of plastic, with extraordinary properties that make it ideal for signage, store displays, POP, screen printing, stage prop design, cabinetry, wood replacement, projects and more. The main application categories of PVC foam board are packaging, wires, cables, toys, clothing, medicine, automobiles, construction and home improvement.

Indoor and Outdoor Applications
The versatility of expanded PVC makes it ideal for a variety of additional indoor and outdoor applications, including ceilings for cars, buses, trains, interior panels, refrigerator panels and kitchen cabinets. Likewise, foamed PVC can be an excellent replacement for aluminum, wood, and other composite materials.

What are the advantages of PVC foam board?
Our PVC foam sheets are available in a variety of colours, sizes and thicknesses. Thanks to its smooth matte finish, it can be laminated or painted. The PVC foam board is also light and portable, and the transportation is convenient and fast. Advantages of PVC foam board include:

1. High strength and durability

2. Resistance to the elements such as mold and mildew

3. Resistant to many chemicals and solvents

4. Waterproof

5. Self-extinguishing flame retardant
The expanded PVC sheet completely replaces traditional wooden boards, PVC is perfect for painting or laminating, and has a perfect surface to print your designs on. Excellent scratch resistance makes it an excellent choice for banners in harsh environments such as industrial areas or sports stadiums.