Common Types
Loose fill or foam peanuts are one of the most common types of material used for cushion packaging because it can effectively protect products on their way to their final destination. There are different varieties of peanuts that provide superior cushioning from the classic Styrofoam peanuts to the biodegradable peanuts made from natural vegetable starch that is degradable when in contact with water. If you are not in favor of using foam peanuts, an option is foam-in-place structures from polyurethane foam. Molded foam can fully encapsulate a product to ensure that is immobilized and protected from shock and vibrations during transport. The remarkable versatility of molded polyurethane foam provides the necessary support for long term confinement of products like medical devices. Polyurethane has the advantages of form and function. It can easily be cut or molded according to the shape, design and contour of the product. It provides excellent cushioning and just the right amount of support for the product.
The process of manufacturing cushion packaging
There are two basic procedures in the manufacture of molded foam for the packaging. In one of the procedures, a chemical mix is poured into a moving conveyor where it is allowed to react and expand from its original volume. The sides of the conveyor will allow the foam to rise into a slab that can be two or four feet in height. This continuous slab is then cut, stored and allowed to cure for approximately 72 hours before it is fabricated into different shapes. This process is also used in the fabrication of foams used for furniture and beddings. Another procedure involves a process where individual molded foam items are created by pouring chemicals into specially-shaped molds that will allow a reaction to take place. This process is typically used for the production of the packaging and cushioning for automobiles. Both production processes can be controlled through the mixture of raw foam materials with chemicals and additives.
Advantages
It provides benefits for both the customer and the online retailer. Customer experience is enhanced when the product ordered is received in good condition and the retailer does not suffer from losses when products ordered are returned because of damages during transit. If molded foam is used for packaging, it enhances aesthetics and improves brand awareness. However, it is dependent on its proper design to ensure that the product will be protected even if it falls from a certain height. Knowledge of the product that will be packed is important for the design engineers so that they can determine the right packaging specifications.