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FAQs & Glossary – Your Guide to Foam Solutions

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Our FAQs cover everything from custom foam options and branding to ordering and delivery. Need help understanding industry terms? Our glossary breaks down key foam and packaging terminology to make choosing the right solution even easier.

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FAQs

We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you find the information you need, whether it’s about custom foam solutions, branding, materials, or ordering.

General FAQs

What industries do you supply foam solutions for?

We provide custom protective foam solutions for a wide range of industries, including defence, aerospace, automotive, industrial, electronics, and medical sectors.

What makes MSA Foams different from other foam converters?

As an ISO 9001 & MPAS-accredited foam converter, we offer precision-engineered foam solutions, using advanced 3D Scanning, 5 Axis CNC Machining, and Custom Branding to meet the highest industry standards.
We are also accredited by Zotefoams, enabling us to offer premium foam materials, ensuring exceptional quality and performance. In addition, our nationwide team of consultants provides dedicated sales support across the UK — a service that truly sets MSA Foams apart.

Custom Foam & Design

Can you create a fully custom foam insert for my equipment?

Yes! We specialise in bespoke foam inserts tailored to specific equipment dimensions, ensuring maximum protection and organisation.

How can custom foam protect my items?

Pre-cut foam inserts provide reliable protection during transport or handling by cushioning items within their case or packaging. This prevents contents from colliding with each other or the inner walls of the container. Advanced foam converters can even calculate the precise density and thickness needed to absorb specific levels of shock or impact, delivering a truly bespoke, engineered solution that ensures optimum protection for every item.

What is a shadow board?

A shadow board is created by layering foams of contrasting colours, so that any recessed pockets appear in a different colour to the surface layer. Beyond enhancing visual appeal, this design makes it easy to spot when a tool or component is missing — the bright underlying colour instantly highlights empty spaces.

What technology do you use to design foam solutions?

Our 8-person design team utilises 3D Scanning, Alphacam, SOLIDWORKS®, and CATIA V5 software to create precision-cut foam inserts for any application.

Can you match the foam to my brand colours?

We offer a variety of foam colours and can also apply custom branding, logos, and labels using our UV digital printing and laser engraving technology.

Ordering & Delivery

What is your lead time for custom foam projects?

Lead times vary based on complexity, but most custom projects take 4–6 weeks from when an order is placed. Typically, once the design is approved the lead time is 2-3 weeks.

Can you supply foam in bulk for large projects?

Yes! We accommodate high-volume orders and provide efficient production solutions for large-scale industrial and defence contracts. We are happy hold customer stock for call-off orders for large project work.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we supply foam solutions across the UK and internationally. Please note that all national and international orders are subject to a carriage charge, which will be confirmed at the time of quotation.

Cases with Foam

Which case is best for my industry?

The best case depends on your industry and application:

  • Military & Defence → Peli and Peli-Hardigg cases with MPAS-approved foam for maximum protection.
  • Aerospace & Automotive → Lightweight, impact-resistant cases with precision-cut foam.
  • AV & Broadcast → Rack Mount Cases from EXOCase, or Peli-Hardigg for particularly valuable equipment. Use anti-static or conductive foam to protect sensitive kit.
Which case is the most customisable?

EXOCase cases offer many customisation options, including dimensions, panel materials, colours and foam.
Peli-Hardigg cases have a wide range of optional accessories such as extra handles, stainless steel hardware, catching locks, etc. to suit. We can also offer a cut and weld solution for larger applications. All cases from MSA Foams can be customised with custom-cut foam inserts and various branding applications, such as case wraps, digital printing, and laser engraving.

Do you offer waterproof and dustproof cases with foam?

Yes! We supply waterproof and dustproof cases, including Peli and cost-effective MAX cases with custom foam inserts designed to enhance protection.

Do you have other cases that aren’t shown on the website?

Yes, we do! While our website highlights our core range, we also have access to additional case options that aren’t currently listed online. If you’re looking for something specific or can’t find what you need, feel free to contact us — we may still be able to help.

Branding & Finishing

Can you print or engrave my company logo on the foam?

Yes! We offer UV digital printing, laser engraving, and sticker label production, allowing you to fully customise your foam inserts and cases.

Do you offer custom graphics and other branding enhancements?

Absolutely! Our full custom case graphics, personalised nameplates, and custom labels help create a professional, branded finish for your protective solutions.

Glossary

Not sure what a term means? Our glossary breaks down key industry terms, helping you better understand foam types, manufacturing processes, and technical specifications.

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  • CAD (Computer-Aided  Design) — Software used to create precise digital models of foam inserts before manufacturing.
  • Closed-Cell Foam — A type of foam with a sealed cell structure, making it resistant to water, dust, and air penetration. Commonly used for protective packaging.
  • CNC Routing — A computer-controlled cutting process that creates precise foam inserts by  shaping material with high accuracy.
  • Creep — The gradual  deformation of foam over time when exposed to prolonged pressure or weight.
  • Cross-Linked Foam — A chemically  modified foam structure that improves durability, flexibility, and resistance  to chemicals.
  • Custom Foam Inserts — Precision-cut foam  pieces designed to hold and protect specific equipment inside a case or container.
  • Decals — Custom-printed stickers or graphics applied to cases or foam inserts for branding or identification purposes.
  • Die Cutting — A high-volume foam cutting technique where a sharp die (custom-made tool) stamps out repeatable shapes quickly.
  • Dunnage — A protective  packaging method using foam inserts or dividers to secure products during  transport and prevent damage.
  • Foam Conversion — The process of cutting, shaping, and modifying foam to create custom inserts, protective packaging, or industrial applications.
  • Full Custom Graphics — Custom branding that fills the exterior of a case.
  • HLB (High  Load-Bearing Foam — A dense foam type designed to support heavy loads without significant compression or deformation.)
  • Laminating — The process of bonding multiple foam  layers together to achieve a required thickness or density.
  • Laser Engraving — A process that etches text, logos, or markings onto foam surfaces for branding or pocket identification.
  • LD Foam  (Low-Density Foam) — A lightweight, soft foam used for cushioning applications, offering flexibility and impact absorption.
  • Nameplates — Engraved or printed plates used for  branding, identification, or instructional purposes on cases, equipment, or  foam inserts.
  • Open-Cell Foam — Foam with a porous cell structure that  allows air and liquids to pass through, offering softer cushioning and sound  absorption properties.
  • Pack Density — The measure of how efficiently foam  inserts hold and organise items within a case or packaging system.
  • Polyethylene (PE)  Foam — A lightweight, durable closed-cell foam  known for its shock absorption and moisture resistance, widely used in protective packaging.
  • Polyurethane (PU)  Foam — A softer, open-cell foam that provides  cushioning and flexibility, often used for case inserts and impact absorption.
  • Reusable Packaging — Protective foam solutions designed for  multiple uses, often found in industrial and returnable transit packaging  (RTP) applications.
  • Scanning (3D) — A digital imaging process that captures  the precise dimensions of an object, allowing for the creation of custom-fitted foam inserts.
  • Shock Absorption — The foam’s ability to cushion and reduce  impact forces, protecting fragile or sensitive equipment.
  • Static Dissipative  Foam — A specialised foam that gradually  dissipates static electricity to protect sensitive electronic components.
  • Stillage — A protective storage solution used in  warehouses or transportation, often incorporating foam-lined dividers to  secure delicate items.
  • Tooling — The process of designing and manufacturing  custom tools for producing precision-cut foam products at scale.
  • VA Foam (Vinyl  Acetate Foam) — A high-density, durable foam, commonly  used in protective packaging, industrial applications, and impact-resistant  environments. It is a variant of EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) Foam, known for  its shock absorption, flexibility, and resilience.
  • Waterjet Cutting — A high-pressure cutting method using water  and abrasives to create clean, intricate foam shapes without heat distortion.
  • Zotefoams® — A high-performance closed-cell foam brand  known for its durability, lightweight structure, and precision cutting  suitability.

Still Have Questions?

If you didn’t find what you were looking for, we’re here to help! Get in touch with our team for expert advice on custom foam solutions, case protection, and branding options. We’ll be happy to assist with any queries you have.

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