Foam Packing Blocks: A Guide to Effective Shipping

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Smiling man lying among colorful foam blocks indoors. Fun and playful scene.
Credit: pexels.com, Smiling man lying among colorful foam blocks indoors. Fun and playful scene.

Foam packing blocks are a popular choice for shipping fragile items, and for good reason - they're lightweight, easy to cut, and provide excellent cushioning. They come in various densities, with higher density blocks offering more protection.

Foam packing blocks are available in different sizes, with standard blocks measuring 3 inches x 3 inches x 3 inches. You can also cut them to fit specific items, making them a versatile packing material.

To ensure effective shipping, it's essential to use the right size of foam packing block for the item being shipped. Using a block that's too small can leave gaps and compromise protection, while a block that's too large can be wasteful and unnecessary.

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Types of Foam Packing Blocks

Charcoal foam is a top choice for long-term use in various areas, offering a difficult-to-soil surface that maintains a professional appearance.

Charcoal foam's open-pore structure provides excellent air flow properties, making it ideal for filter applications. This is especially useful in packaging delicate items that require good ventilation.

Blocks and Toys on the Floor
Credit: pexels.com, Blocks and Toys on the Floor

Eggcrate foam, also known as convoluted foam, is a great option for packaging delicate equipment. Its peak-and-valley appearance creates a professional look for cases and packages.

Eggcrate foam's unique cutting pattern provides more cushioning than full sheets, making it perfect for protecting fragile items during shipping.

Poly foam is a soft and inexpensive option suitable for one-time shipping or occasional packaging purposes. It's also great for wrapping and storing occasional-use delicates like china and holiday ornaments.

Polyethylene foam is a strong and resilient closed-cell foam, ideal for shock-absorbing products and packaging items that may receive indelicate handling. Its excellent buoyancy makes it perfect for flotation equipment and marine products.

Key Benefits

Foam packing blocks are a game-changer for anyone looking to streamline their packaging process. They can be cut to custom sizes to suit your products or existing packaging, making them a versatile solution.

Cutting them to size is a breeze, and it's a cost-effective way to ensure your products are properly protected. By using the same foam across multiple products, you can benefit from economies of scale, which can lead to significant cost savings.

Boy Playing with Toy Blocks
Credit: pexels.com, Boy Playing with Toy Blocks

Foam blocks can be used with a range of different products, which is a major advantage. They're not limited to just one specific product, making them a great option for businesses with diverse product lines.

Here are some of the key benefits of foam packing blocks at a glance:

  • Cut to custom sizes to suit your products / existing packaging
  • Can be used with a range of different products, aiding economies of scale
  • Simplifies your packaging inventory, improving packing times
  • Low cost option for transit protection
  • Multiple use – will protect over numerous journeys
  • Absorb shock, impact, and vibration
  • Can be used to brace products within outer packaging, minimising movement, and damage
  • Can be interleaved between delicate products
  • Range of grades, densities etc. for varying applications
  • Anti-static foam also available

Foam blocks can also be used to separate layers of protection, interleaved to provide extra protection and improve packing efficiency. This is especially useful for delicate products that require extra care.

Overall, foam packing blocks are a practical and cost-effective solution for businesses looking to improve their packaging process.

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More Info

Foam packing blocks are a great option for products that may occasionally be prone to damage, but the cost of specially designed foam packaging is too high.

They're not tailored to a specific product, which keeps costs down and makes them a more affordable choice.

Foam blocks can be used to block and brace items within an outer carton or shipping box, making them particularly suited to larger items or those with angular edges or protruding corners.

This helps to prevent movement during transit and provides a degree of cushioning protection too.

They're the lowest cost foam packaging option available, but still provide adequate levels of protection in transit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How strong are foam blocks?

EPS foam blocks have a compression strength of 2,680 pounds per square foot, making them suitable for various applications. However, their strength can vary depending on the specific density and deformation rate.

Kristin Waelchi

Senior Writer

Kristin Waelchi is a skilled writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in research and analysis, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, delving deep into complex topics and shedding light on the intricacies of the world around us. Kristin's expertise lies in crafting engaging articles that inform and educate readers on a wide range of subjects, including industrial facilities.

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