What it means at PJ Bowers
PJ Bowers supplies and converts closed-cell, high density foam materials for real-world jobs.
Neofoam® PE is a chemically cross-linked, medium-high to very high density closed-cell PE known for tensile strength and compressive resistance.
Neolon® XPE offers high mechanical strength, good rebound, moisture and chemical resistance, thermal insulation and longevity — ideal where durable protection is critical.
Ethafoam® sits in the rigid, medium-density class, is chemically inert and non-abrasive — a common choice for conservation and art transport.
Plastazote® & Evazote® feature a uniform cell structure from nitrogen-blown manufacture, delivering consistent, repeatable performance for specialist applications.
Density vs hardness: choose the “feel” you need
Foam hardness is measured with an Asker (JIS C) durometer and is not the same as density. Two foams of 120 kg/m³ can feel different due to polymer and process, so select by performance, not just kg/m³. For broad choice, see Neofoam® EVA in multiple densities and Neofoam® PE density options.
Common high density foam uses
- Protective packaging & transport: Use packaging foams (EPE, PE, EVA, XPE, Zotefoams) to protect high-value instruments.
- Organised tool control: Specify custom inserts for trays and cases across aerospace, mining, defence and energy.
- Museums & conservation: Inert Ethafoam® and archival foams for long-term preservation.
- Marine buoyancy: For flotation, see marine and buying buoyancy foam.
- Construction expansion joints: Choose Bridgefoam® or PE120 stiff joint filler; see the expansion joint article.
- Specialist/technical: Zotefoams for personal protection, aviation and other critical applications.
Quick selection for high density foam
- Define the job: load-bearing protection, buoyancy, thermal insulation, sealing, or precision inserts.
- Match a material family:
- PE / XPE: PE (stiffer, slower recovery) and Neolon® XPE (durable, structural, buoyancy & insulation).
- EVA: EVA (more elastic with faster bounce-back).
- Ethafoam®: rigid, inert medium density for archival and precision packing.
- Zotefoams: Plastazote®/Evazote® for consistent, high-purity performance.
- Check hardness (JIS C) & data sheets: don’t equate density with firmness; confirm the durometer figure you need.
- Use calculators: plan quantities with the foam calculators.
Why PJ Bowers
PJ Bowers is Australia’s engineered foam specialist with a broad closed-cell range, in-house conversion for custom inserts, and application support across packaging, construction and marine.
FAQs
What is high density foam used for?
Typical uses include protective packaging, marine buoyancy, expansion joints and custom inserts.
Which foam is best for buoyancy?
Neolon® XPE is a closed-cell XPE noted for durability and very low water absorption; see the buoyancy guide.
Do you offer very firm solutions for construction joints?
Yes — PE120 stiff joint filler provides a very firm option; Bridgefoam® is the compressible alternative.