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Cross Linked Polyethylene Foam (XLPE Foam) Material Guide: Properties, Types & Applications

Cross-linked polyethylene foam (XLPE) is a highly-versatile, flexible, and useful closed-cell foam. Read more about Frank Lowe's custom, die cut XLPE foam.

Cross-linked polyethylene foam (XLPE) is an ultra-durable closed-cell material that offers excellent chemical properties, thermal insulation properties, strong impact damping, and a host of other desirable attributes.

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Since 1955, Frank Lowe has been partnering with businesses across all markets to produce state-of-the-art industrial manufacturing solutions. We offer dedicated industrial contract manufacturing teams who specialize in providing comprehensive services to a variety of markets.From best-in-class materials, customizable products, and a full suite of industrial manufacturing services, we provide whatever it takes to help your business met its objectives. Regardless of the technical or logistics demands of your project, we will work with you every step of the way providing customizable distribution services and support to ensure the contract die cutting is completed and delivered on time, within budget, and to your exact specifications.

Boasting many of the same properties demonstrated as polyethylene foam, cross-linked polyethylene foam elevates its profile with the ability to protect Class A surfaces, which is one of the reasons it’s such a highly prized material in the packaging of medical equipment and products.

Cross-linked polyethylene foam is an extremely fine celled foam, and cross-linked polyethylene is suitable for projects that require thicker foam. Cross-linked polyethylene foam offers a smooth and pleasant feel combined with outstanding chemical and physical properties, which makes it the preferred solution for several applications where thicker sections of closed-cell foam are required.

At Frank Lowe, we offer a full catalog of different types and densities of cross-linked polyethylene in different thicknesses. Whether you need the material with adhesive backing, in standard or custom sheets, unique thicknesses, or gaskets cut slightly larger, the team at Frank Lowe can help.

Our experienced product engineers can help you choose the best closed cell foams for the exact specifications required for your application. Let’s take a closer look at cross-linked polyethylene foam and some of its most common applications.

Cross-Linked Polyethylene Foam Applications & Markets

With its closed-cell foam density, XLPE works well commercially as industrial gaskets, thermal insulation, and for construction expansion joints. As a closed-cell foam characterized by low moisture permeability and high buoyancy, cross-linked polyethylene foam is regularly used in different types of flotation equipment, food processing, gaskets, seals, toys, and expansion joints.

Because of these superior physical attributes and closed-cell density, cross-linked polyethylene foams are commonplace throughout the packaging industry as well.

A few of the most common applications of cross-linked polyethylene foam include:

  • Building and construction of special application playground padding, eaves filler strips, and more.
  • General industrial applications for radar spacers, appliance insulation and gaskets, protective padding with or without adhesive backing, and artifact protective packaging solutions in different thicknesses.
  • Transportation industry for glass packaging, automotive pads for anti-rattling, waterproof cushions, marine bumpers and buoys, and gaskets.
  • Health care industry for prosthetic padding, orthopedic padding, suture counters, wheelchair pads, and more.
  • Sports and leisure industry for body armor, Kayak construction, personal watercraft seats, shoulder straps for backpacks, and more.

Cross-Linked Polyethylene Foam Is a Versatile Material

Regardless of the name used for cross-linked polyethylene sheets or die cut rolls, it has a virtually infinite number of potential applications because of the following desirable characteristics:

  • Durability
  • Flexibility
  • Cushioning
  • Recyclability
  • Thermal Conductivity
  • Odorless
  • Buoyancy
  • Non-Dusting
  • Lightweight
  • Non-Abrasive
  • CFC-Free
  • Sound Absorption
  • Uniform Cell Structure
  • Dimensional Stability
  • Ozone Friendly
  • Shatter Proof
  • Puncture Resistance
  • Tear Resistant
  • Shock Absorption
  • Vibration Dampening
  • Impact Resistance
  • Bacteria Resistant
  • Mold Resistant
  • Oil & Solvent Resistant
  • Good Size Tolerance

Order Die Cut Cross-Linked Polyethylene Foam

Frank Lowe offers branded and non-branded cross-linked polyethylene foam in a bun, roll, plank, and sheet forms across a range of different densities and thicknesses. We utilize state-of-the-art equipment and processes to create precise die cuts based on your specific requirements, such as packaging, low water absorption, chemical resistance, and more.

In the event you don’t have specifications, the team at Frank Lowe can still help! We can use our custom CAD-generated design program to create your initial prototype based on the size tolerance and other key parameters.

At Frank Lowe, we provide a range of different custom fabrication services and solutions designed to move your project from start to finish.

Contact Frank Lowe for Cross-Linked Polyethylene Foam

Regardless of the brand, shape, density, color, or thickness of cross-linked polyethylene foam you need — Frank Lowe can help. As the leading polyethylene foam factory, we offer cross-linked polyethylene foam in virtually every thickness, shape, size, and form.

We regularly provide cross-linked polyethylene in standard sheets, all sizes of gaskets, components cut slightly larger, custom die-cut shapes, and more. Our cross-linked polyethylene foam is often used for packaging applications, plumbing applications, radiant heating, electrical cabling, and more.

By partnering with us, you’ll gain access to over 60 years of quality production and custom manufacturing experience. Our seasoned product engineers and technicians will get to understand your application and guide you to the best cross-linked polyethylene solution. 

Most importantly, we’ll help you think outside of the box to:

  1. Explore different thicknesses, shapes, and brands of cross-linked polyethylene foams as well as other potential materials.
  2. Pursue each potential cross-linked polyethylene option with feasibility, performance, and cost-benefit analysis.
  3. Create your cross-linked polyethylene component, gasket, or product that will offer the best performance and remain within your budget.

Ready to get started? Contact us today! We will Get You What You Need, When You Need It.

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