Comparison between PU, EPE and EVA foam for Gun Cases: Which Foam Is Best For Your Gun Case?
As a gun owner, selecting between PU (Polyurethane) foam, EPE (Expanded Polyethylene) foam, and EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) foam can be quite an intimidating task.
Each of these foams has distinct properties that must be taken into consideration; however in this article we will focus on the top three contenders – PU, EPE and EVA foams – to help make your selection process easier.
PU foam or Polyurethane foam is a charcoal-colored, hydrophilic foam that is mostly utilized in the packaging industry due to its cheap manufacturing costs and lightweight characteristics.
In comparison to normal styrofoam, PU foam can provide a far better option, but when weighed against EPE foams, it falls short in terms of its durability.
PU foams are traditionally fragile and flimsy, and don’t have a long life span; they come apart easily at the edges, deform when put under weight, and eventually become unusable.
The open cell matrix found in PU foam allows for air spaces, providing it with its lightweight characteristic as well as its deformable and spongy outward look.
Since the density is lower than other types of foam due to the afore mentioned matrix, it also has an unfortunate trait: it absorbs water like a sponge. This could be disastrous if wet PU foam were used to store weapons as the moisture will cause rusting over time.
Lastly, because of its poor anti-abrasive property, constant contact with abrasive material like gun edges can cause permanent damage to the smoothness of the PU foam making it difficult to handle with care for very long periods of time.
What is EPE foam and what are its benefits/advantages over the other two types of foam
EPE foam, also known as Expanded Polyethylene foam, is a hydrophobic foam that is the newer alternative to polyurethane (PU) foam. It has several benefits over the other two types of foam available out there, making it the best choice for most gun owners.
EPE foam has a better construction with superior durability, being less fragile and more rigid in nature. Moreover, its closed cell matrix makes it water resistant, meaning that liquids like water do not penetrate inside and any left on the surface can just run off.
In addition to this property, EPE foam also resists grease, oil or grime and thus makes long-term storage much easier. Another advantage is that EPE foam is denser than the traditional PU foam and fits snugly into a gun case and doesn’t slip around.
Its anti-abrasive properties mean that no abrasions are created due to heavy use and therefore this type of foam lasts longer. Finally, customizing your foams easily is made even simpler by Pick & Pluck grid style foams offered at cedarmillfirearms.com – getting a neat cut without using blades or razors!
All in all, choosing an EPE foam for your gun case may very well increase its life significantly as compared to other conventional foams available in the market.
What is EVA foam and what are its benefits/advantages over the other two types of foam
EVA foam is also known as Ethylene-vinyl acetate foam which has a rubber texture due to its closed cell matrix and looks smooth and high-priced. This highly durable material is an expensive option, but it is usually used for in-store displays and storage of highly sensitive or expensive equipment.
Its closed cell matrix makes it resilient and flexible while also being water-resistant. It delivers good shock absorption properties which ensure that the stored equipment stays protected if dropped.
One of the main benefits of using EVA foam is that it adds a beautiful finish to the item, especially when on display. The material even works well at low temperatures, and if enough foam is used, can make the case buoyant should it fall into water. On top of all this, its anti-abrasive properties are equal to or better than EPE foam products.
However, in terms of cost effectiveness, EPE foam stands out as being a much better option than EVA foam. Especially for those who need to store large amounts of guns in an organized way, the Pick and Pluck EPE foam offers excellent protection for their firearms at a fraction of the price.
Which type of foam should you choose for your gun case based on your needs/preferences
Cedar Mill Fine Firearms provides a wide variety of foam options to fit any gun case need. Foam types range from lighter and more budget-friendly open-cell foam to heavier, denser closed-cell foam better suited for shipping or trips that involve extremes of heat and cold.
If you want your weapons to be lightweight and highly portable, the lower density open-cell foam may be best. If you want your guns to be locked down tight while you are in transit, Cedar Mill’s high density closed-cell foam will do the job every time.
Cedar Mill Good Firearms also carries layered multi-dimensional foam that can give your weapon an extra layer of protection regardless of whether it is at rest or on the move. Whichever type you pick, Cedar Mill Fine Firearms has the perfect foam for you!
Conclusion
After reading this blog post, you should have a better understanding of the different types of foam available on the market and which one would be best suited for your needs.
If you have any questions or would like help choosing the right type of foam for your gun case, please feel free to reach out to us.
We will be more than happy to assist you in making the best decision for your needs.