Sekisui Voltek, part of Japan-based Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd., displayed the benefits of closed-cell foam substrates for thermoforming at the SPE Thermoforming Conference in Atlanta.
Cellular foams are being used in automotive applications such as dashboards, arm rests and, more recently, components for air conditioning ducts, said Mitch Brock, director of transportation and general industrial markets for Sekisui Voltek.
"Cellular foams are particularly suitable for manufacturing thermoformed products for which weight reduction and the provision of a luxurious feel are important considerations," he said. The foam also has inherent cushioning, moisture resistance and noise and vibration-dampening properties.
The polyolefin foams can be thermoformed on traditional equipment.