Looking for a foam material that excels in demanding applications? Known for its versatility, cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) foam offers exceptional insulation, durability, and flexibility in multiple industries. As a cross-linked polyethylene foam (PE) manufacturer, Merryweather Foam leverages our extensive experience and state-of-the-art technology to provide high-quality XLPE foam solutions that cater to diverse needs, from industrial applications to custom projects.
What Is Cross-Linked Polyethylene Foam?
To begin, what is cross-linked polymer? These materials are composed of polymer chains that have been interconnected through chemical or physical bonds, which significantly boosts their performance characteristics. Cross-linked polyethylene foam (PE), or XLPE foam, is a specific type of closed-cell foam created from polyethylene. The polymer chains form a network of bonds through a cross-linking process, either chemical or physical. This closed-cell foam structure enhances its properties, making XLPE foam highly versatile and resistant to various environmental factors.
Key Properties of Cross-Linked Polymers
Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) foam is engineered with specific properties that enhance its performance across many applications. Essential features of cross-linked foam that contribute to its versatility and effectiveness include:
Excellent Insulation – XLPE foam delivers superior thermal insulation, minimizing heat transfer and maintaining consistent temperatures in critical applications.
Durability – Cross-linked polyethylene foam (PE) offers exceptional durability, withstanding wear and tear in demanding environments.
Virtually No Water Absorption – XLPE foam is highly resistant to water absorption, preserving its insulating properties even in wet conditions.
Flexibility – Cross-linked foam’s flexibility allows for easy customization and adaptation to diverse application needs.
Chemical Resistance – This material excels in environments exposed to chemicals, maintaining performance and integrity.
Flame Retardancy – XLPE foam often features a flame retardant, making it compliant with UL94 HF1, HF2, HBF, and FMVSS 302.
Cross-linked polyethylene foam (PE) is highly adaptable, offering valuable solutions for industrial applications, the medical field, and beyond. At Merryweather Foam, our expertise in foam fabrication allows us to deliver tailored solutions that address a wide range of industry challenges.
Industrial Applications
In industrial settings, XLPE foam is essential for insulation, cushioning, and vibration dampening. It’s commonly used to safeguard sensitive equipment and machinery from environmental impacts and operational stresses. Examples include protective padding for high-value equipment and gaskets that shield components from damage.
Automotive Industry
For the automotive sector, cross-linked polyethylene foam (PE) enhances vehicle performance and comfort. XLPE foam is used in interior panels for soundproofing, reducing noise and improving driver experience. It’s also employed in impact-absorbing components like bumpers and door panels, enhancing safety and cushioning in the event of a collision.
Medical Industry
The medical industry also benefits from the unique properties of XLPE foam. Its cushioning capabilities and easy-to-clean surface make it ideal for use in orthopedic inserts, prosthetics, and medical padding. The resilience of cross-linked polyethylene and its ability to maintain hygiene standards contribute to patient comfort and support in various medical devices and equipment.
Packaging Solutions
Cross-linked polyethylene foam (PE) is a go-to material for packaging fragile and high-value items. Its shock-absorbing properties protect products during transport, reducing risk of damage. Applications include custom foam inserts for electronics, protective wraps for glassware, and cushioning for delicate machine components.
Custom Foam Solutions
Merryweather Foam collaborates closely with our clients to design and fabricate custom XLPE foam solutions that meet specific needs. Whether it’s fabricating custom shapes for specialized applications or integrating unique properties for tailored performance, we deliver custom cross-linked foam products that perfectly align with project requirements.
Our commitment to superior solutions at Merryweather Foam is demonstrated through our rigorous quality control processes. We ensure that every cross-linked polyethylene foam (PE) product — and all foam solutions we fabricate — adheres to the highest standards of safety, performance, and reliability. With ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 Medical Devices certifications, our quality management system reflects our dedication to continuous improvement and delivering exceptional results for our clients.
Get Started with Merryweather Foam
Discover how high-quality cross-linked polyethylene foam (PE) can elevate your next project. With advanced foam fabrication capabilities and dedicated customer service, Merryweather Foam delivers fast, reliable solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us today to request a quote or discuss your specific requirements with our experts.
Our experts want to help you find the right solution to your foam challenges.
Since 1948, we have been industry leaders in fabricating unique foam components for customers in the medical, sound absorption, automotive, and packaging industries. At Merryweather Foam, we pride ourselves on our ability to combine experience, innovation, and excellent customer service. We have the knowledge, manpower and equipment to help you get the job done. View our capabilities to learn more.
Medical Device Packaging
Our custom medical packaging solutions provide excellent insulation and ample padding to ensure the safety of medical industry components from biologics to delicate machinery while in transport.
Medical Device Packaging
Our custom medical packaging solutions provide excellent insulation and ample padding to ensure the safety of medical industry components from biologics to delicate machinery while in transport.
Medical Device Packaging
Our custom medical packaging solutions provide excellent insulation and ample padding to ensure the safety of medical industry components from biologics to delicate machinery while in transport.
Medical Device Packaging
Our custom medical packaging solutions provide excellent insulation and ample padding to ensure the safety of medical industry components from biologics to delicate machinery while in transport.
Medical Device Packaging
Our custom medical packaging solutions provide excellent insulation and ample padding to ensure the safety of medical industry components from biologics to delicate machinery while in transport.
Medical Device Packaging
Our custom medical packaging solutions provide excellent insulation and ample padding to ensure the safety of medical industry components from biologics to delicate machinery while in transport.
Medical Device Packaging
Our custom medical packaging solutions provide excellent insulation and ample padding to ensure the safety of medical industry components from biologics to delicate machinery while in transport.
Medical Device Packaging
Our custom medical packaging solutions provide excellent insulation and ample padding to ensure the safety of medical industry components from biologics to delicate machinery while in transport.
Medical Device Packaging
Our custom medical packaging solutions provide excellent insulation and ample padding to ensure the safety of medical industry components from biologics to delicate machinery while in transport.
Medical Device Packaging
Our custom medical packaging solutions provide excellent insulation and ample padding to ensure the safety of medical industry components from biologics to delicate machinery while in transport.
Medical Device Packaging
Our custom medical packaging solutions provide excellent insulation and ample padding to ensure the safety of medical industry components from biologics to delicate machinery while in transport.
Medical Device Packaging
Our custom medical packaging solutions provide excellent insulation and ample padding to ensure the safety of medical industry components from biologics to delicate machinery while in transport.
Medical Device Packaging
Our custom medical packaging solutions provide excellent insulation and ample padding to ensure the safety of medical industry components from biologics to delicate machinery while in transport.
Medical Device Packaging
Our custom medical packaging solutions provide excellent insulation and ample padding to ensure the safety of medical industry components from biologics to delicate machinery while in transport.
Medical Device Packaging
Our custom medical packaging solutions provide excellent insulation and ample padding to ensure the safety of medical industry components from biologics to delicate machinery while in transport.
Medical Device Packaging
Our custom medical packaging solutions provide excellent insulation and ample padding to ensure the safety of medical industry components from biologics to delicate machinery while in transport.
Medical Device Packaging
Our custom medical packaging solutions provide excellent insulation and ample padding to ensure the safety of medical industry components from biologics to delicate machinery while in transport.
Medical Device Packaging
Our custom medical packaging solutions provide excellent insulation and ample padding to ensure the safety of medical industry components from biologics to delicate machinery while in transport.
Medical Device Packaging
Our custom medical packaging solutions provide excellent insulation and ample padding to ensure the safety of medical industry components from biologics to delicate machinery while in transport.
Medical Device Packaging
Our custom medical packaging solutions provide excellent insulation and ample padding to ensure the safety of medical industry components from biologics to delicate machinery while in transport.
Medical Device Packaging
Our custom medical packaging solutions provide excellent insulation and ample padding to ensure the safety of medical industry components from biologics to delicate machinery while in transport.
Air Filtering
Merryweather Foam can help you determine the most effective foam filters for your facility’s air filtration system, as well as custom medical foam filters for therapeutic applications like nebulizers and other respiratory care applications.
Blood Filtration & Oxygenation
The pumping action of heart-lung machines can create air bubbles that cause life-threatening conditions by blocking the passage of blood through the veins. Passing the blood through a medical foam filter made of reticulated foam eliminates the danger by breaking up air bubbles and making blood safe for circulation.
Orthotic Inserts
Our wide selection of high-quality materials and foam fabrication capabilities makes it easier for your team to develop custom medical orthotic supplies for a variety of painful foot conditions. Give your patient reliable relief with durable Merryweather medical foam inserts made to your specifications.
EKG Pads
Reticulated medical foam pads can be pre-impregnated with gel to improve electrical conductivity while eliminating the messy step of applying gel to the patient’s skin. The quality and consistency of our custom EKG supplies help provide the most accurate readings, helping doctors and nurses provide the best care to their patients.
Prosthetic Devices
One of the biggest challenges in successfully fitting prosthetic devices is mitigating the abrasion they can cause against the wearer’s skin. Merryweather can work with you to craft custom prosthetic foam pads that fit between a device’s hard metal or plastic parts and the patient’s body to alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life.
Sound Dampening
Patient privacy is a primary concern in hospitals and other healthcare settings. Sound-dampening foam solutions from Merryweather can help ensure that sensitive patient information and discussions of delicate subjects remain as private as possible in doctor offices, clinics, surgical suites, and other medical situations.
Medical Positioning Devices
Medical positioning wedges help achieve limb or torso immobilization that can alleviate discomfort, ensure proper healing, facilitate therapeutic procedures and more. Merryweather can help you design and fabricate a custom medical foam wedge that meets your exact specifications.
