The invention of Polyurethane foam changed the world of packaging.
One of the materials Advanced Packaging Inc. can use for the inside of your case is Polyurethane foam. This wonder material has a short history, but has revolutionized the products we use far beyond packaging and protecting sensitive products. Car seats, running shoes, mattresses, and many more products utilize it to make modern life more comfortable. What is the history and the future of Polyurethane foam?
The Beginnings
Polyurethane foam was first made in Germany in the late 1930s, but the real history starts with its first commercial manufacture in Europe in 1954. The United States began producing it shortly afterward, and the popularity of this versatile material skyrocketed quickly. Polyurethane foam initially became the standard material used in furniture upholstery, car seats, and mattresses – later on it gained new uses in consumer goods such as sponges, filters, sound insulation… and as a packing material!
Why Polyurethane Foam?
Manufacturers took to polyurethane foam because it was lightweight, versatile, durable, and cost-efficient. In fact, it may be one of the most customizable materials on the market – the properties of the foam can be changed to accommodate nearly any use a manufacturer can dream up. Lightweight polyurethane foam, being comprised mostly of air, also helps the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation.
The Future is Bright for Polyurethane Foam
According to reports*, over 900,000 tons of flexible foam is produced each year in the European Union alone – enough to fill the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt 9 times! Polyurethane foam production generally increases in line with the growth rate of the economy – however, the ingenuity of entrepreneurs and businesses continue to think up new uses, making the future for this material a bright one.
Want to utilize Polyurethane foam in your cases?
We have extensive experience in working with Polyurethane foam and we know that cases need to be rugged and reliable. Not only are the majority of our cases watertight, but they also can be fitted with custom foam interiors to make sure that any cargo gets safely from point A to point B without getting shuffled around and breaking. We have watertight cases for weapons, electronic integrations, medical supplies and more. API is also equipped with the latest in quality assurance and process control monitoring technology, including drop testing, protecting your electronic equipment from unforeseen accidents and events. Our team of craftsmen regularly build and then test a variety complex electronic assemblies.
If you have any questions, please contact Advanced Packaging Inc. by calling 1-888-206-5250 or visit our website today!
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*Source: http://www.polyurethanes.org/blog/2015/12/the-benefits-and-history-of-polyurethane-flexible-foam/