Would expanding foam make good case inserts?

[Stonius]

Hey there,


I'm wondering if you handy types would know the answer to this.


Say you had a case you wanted to create an insert for, so you get a bag, put it in the case and fill it with expanding foam. While it's still soft, you pop your (wrapped for safety) equipment on top.


It would probably take a bit of testing to get it right so that your eyepieces or whatever don't sink into the middle of a solid foam block!


Would that work in principle, or does expanding foam need oxygen to cure?


Best,
Markus

[leon]

Mate that is a disastrous plan, :scared::scared: that stuff is so filled with chemicals it will nearly dissolve your equipment.

Just go to Clark Rubber and get some high density foam and cut it to size.

It will work much better.

Leon:thumbsup:

[Steffen]

Yes, or get some here:
https://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=194900

:D

[Boozlefoot]

Most expanders to my knowledge require a certain level of moisture (humidity) to cure, and are often more lively on humid days. I think from memory it relies on the water content of the atmosphere to cure rather than the actual oxygen. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I've seen instruments packed with this for transport only, as to the longevity in something such as a case with gear being removed/replaced regularly may result in the foam eventually microcrushing/collapsing around the piece. The foam was brought up tp the approx level, whilst still working, 2 layers of gladwrap were used. 1 sheet stayed on the foam, and the other sheet allowed for easy removal. Same for top layer. A messy process from memory, didn't look too professional, but apparently the gear arrived overseas in pristine condition.

[Stonius]

Thanks Boozlefoot - How professional the finish looks doesn't bother me too much, being an amateur, but you're right the microcrushing could lead to nasty bits. I hadn't considered that. Cheers


M

[JA]

Hi Markus,

I would try something like Expanded Polyethylene Closed Cell Foam Sheet and cut it to suit your object. It's typically available in 50-100mm blocks/sheets and there are even more dense foams if you hunt about. If you've purchased a TV in the last several years it most likely was packed with this as there seems to be a move away from Polystyrene. It also looks better for such a project.

Good luck

Best
JA

[Top_oz]

I've received items packed in a commercialised version of foam in a bag, so it can be done. Could be a bit messy figuring out a system.

[iborg]

Hi All

Googling "expanding foam packaging" shows a few, a random link below.

Could be a good option, if you can find somewhere that sells small numbers.

There is a video that shows them in use in the link.

https://www.instapakpackaging.com.au/

Have fun

Philip

[taminga16]

I am with Leon on this, I have used it on jobs and it never seems to settle.
Greg.

[Stonius]

Thanks for the advice guys, I was thinking of making a box for my mount because it's an odd shape to cut out, and pick and pluck never really did it for me because it always seems to go pluck itself and disintegrate with use. It seems cutting is the best way after all.


Markus