Questions about Foam that holds MultiCam tools in the drawers

Woodshop
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I’ve got some questions about the pink foam used in the drawers where we put all the MultiCam bits, collets, wrenches, so on.

What kind of foam is it? I don’t remember it being specifically mentioned in the Advanced class.
Would it be useful as custom padding for shipping? Or is it too soft, brittle, etc.?
Where can I get some? I checked toolfoam.com but it didn’t show the pink stuff.

@fedakkee @rablack97 @cghaly @eric24 @Kentamanos Your input would be appreciated!

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Tapper did that Stevo ask him. @fedakkeehttp://post.spmailtechno.com/f/a/c-5lxJCmYs4CCJX0DVTo1g~~/AAChrAA~/RgRczG5mP0QraHR0cDovL3RhbGsuZGFsbGFzbWFrZXJzcGFjZS5vcmcvdS9mZWRha2tlZVcDc3BjWAQAAAAAQgoAAOY661padMlXUhR0bmI1MjAwMUBob3RtYWlsLmNvbQ~~ works with it too.

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Ok, I’ll include @Tapper then too. :wink: Tapper, your thoughts on this foam?

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I haven’t seen it, but “pink foam” sounds suspiciously like builder’s foam. Is it sorta hard?

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It is styrofoam sheathing from Home Depot. Lowe’s has blue if is more appealingly to your color pallet.

Hope that helps.

Chris

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What Chris said. Its pretty resistant to falling apart, and cuts very well on the CNC router.

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Thanks, Chris & Tapper! I might ask you more questions offline later. I’m trying to add padding to checked baggage I’m taking on a flight and am hoping this will be better than copious bubble wrap or crinkled paper.

Any chance this foam would work with the hand-held router as well? The base of this item is not flush in the corners and would be difficult to model on the computer.

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It’s called ghosting, and depending on the type of foam yes it can be done with a hand router. My one warning is to go slow because as the tool heats up it can melt to the bit and cake on making a poor cutting head. Not so common when using a Cnc, speaking from experience; it happens when doing it by hand.

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Owens Corning pink foam (brand name Foamular) like Dow Chemicals’ blue foam ( brand name Styrofoam), are both extruded polystyrene, aka XPS.

It is approved for, and cuts well on the lasers (with a careful eye and high speeds recommended).

Strength ranges from 15 to 60PSI compressive strength:

Foamular Type:
X, 15 psi minimum comp. strength, 1.30 lb/cu. ft.
IV, 25 psi minimum comp strength, 1.55 lb/cu. ft.
VI, 40 psi minimum comp. strength, 1.80 lb/cu. ft.
VII, 60 psi minimum comp. strength, 2.20 lb/cu. ft.
V, 100 psi compressive strength, 3.00 lb/cu. ft.

Both brands usually have a thin plastic film on either side which makes it stiffer and a bit more impact resistant. It can be peeled offf with minimal damage to the printing on the sides.

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@heyheymama … how would you feel about me finding a place to add this info to the laser tips on the wiki?

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