Laser cutting foam

Foam types are popular materials in the world of laser cutting. Various types of foam can be cut, including EVA foam, PE foam, XPS (styrofoam) foam, and many other types. The different types of foam are used for different purposes, for example, PE foam is often used for protection and packaging, and EVA foam for (light) structural purposes such as models.  

When cutting industrial foam, the advantages of a laser cutter over other cutting tools are clear. While traditional cutters exert strong pressure on the foam, resulting in material deformation and unclean cutting edges, the laser can create the finest contours thanks to precise and contactless cutting.

Advantages of foam laser cutting

-Precision: With a laser beam of only ~0.5 mm, complex shapes can be easily cut.Important note: For some types of foam, the cut may be larger.

- Speed: Laser cutting machines are faster than other methods like water cutting. Foam sheets are typically cut at speeds of several centimeters per second.

- Flexibility: EVA and PE are elastomers, which means they are flexible and can be shaped into different forms, even after laser cutting.

- Finish: The laser cutting process results in perfectly finished edges on the material.

- Versatility: Both EVA and PE foam can be used for many different applications, from packaging foam to technical seals.

- Foam types can be both cut and engraved.

(Possible) disadvantages of foam laser cutting:

- Accuracy: Although laser cutting is very precise, it can still show deviations, especially with complex designs.The main problem is that the cut is not completely straight.

-Cutting edges: Although the cutting edges are neat, they may be darker than the original material.

-Stretchability: EVA foam is stretchable, which can lead to slight deviations in the final size of the part, especially over large surfaces.

-Protective film: Cut parts may have "pits" and black backlash from the laser bed on the underside of the material; this can be prevented by using protective film.

-Outdoor use: EVA foam is not suitable for outdoor use, PE foam is limitedly usable outdoors.

-Color: The available colors are limited for most types of foam.

Foam laser cutting service

Do you have a question, idea, or ready-made project in the field of laser cutting? We are happy to assist you! Please contact us, request a quote or if you have a cutting design that meets our drawing rules you can upload and order it directly via our online portal.