Polyformes is proud to now be an Approved Fabricator as part of Zotefoams Approved Partner Programme
Market knowledge

Aerospace Foam

Market knowledge

Aerospace Foam

If you are involved in designing or manufacturing for the aerospace industry in the UK, you know there is very little margin for error with your aerospace packaging and foam products.

At Polyformes, our expertise covers the full spectrum of aerospace applications. We specialise in high-performance Plastazote and ZOTEK closed-cell foam, including flame-retardant grades that meet FAR/CS 25.853(a) App F Pt. 1 requirements. These materials provide exceptional weight reduction, durability, and comfort for seating and soft trim. At the same time, our broader range – including LD45, HD115, and HD110 – enables precise, custom-engineered solutions such as rotor blade spacers and routed components.

By taking advantage of our in-house capabilities, including thermoforming, routing, waterjet cutting, and profiling, our designers can help you source the optimal foam material, part, product or packaging for your application.

No obligation
UK experts
Competitive pricing
Applications

Aerospace foam uses

Technical, closed-cell polyolefin or fluoropolymer foams find extensive use within the aerospace industry.

They are predominantly used in two main areas, firstly for aircraft interior components and parts, and secondly for tool control (FOD prevention) and protective packaging for high-value aviation components.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive. If you cannot see your specific application listed, please contact us to see how we can assist.

Foam

Material type

Key benefits and properties

Primary aerospace applications

Plastazote®

Closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene (PE)

Ultra-lightweight;, extremely pure (nitrogen-blown); high chemical/oil resistance, low compression set; and available in flame-retardant (FR) and conductive grades.

Aircraft seating and crew seat support
Cockpit armrests and soft-trim cabin areas
High-grade tool control trays (FOD reduction)
Mechanics’ kneeling mats
Aircraft ejection seat components
Shock-absorbing packaging for weapons and military cargo
Gaskets and environmental seals

ARPLANK

Isotropic expanded polyethylene (EPE) or expanded polypropylene (EPP)

100% recyclable; isotropic behaviour (equal shock absorption on all 3 axes); non-abrasive surface; wide temperature range (-60°C to 100°C); chemical inertness.

Heavy-duty protective packaging for avionics
Flight case inserts
Returnable dunnage and transport containers for aircraft sub-assemblies
Vibration-dampening transit liners for sensitive painted components

Ethafoam

Closed-cell, non-cross-linked expanded polyethylene (EPE)

Superb multiple-impact protection; high load-bearing capacity; excellent moisture and chemical resistance; available in anti-static (ESD) and FR grades.

Heavy-duty cushioning for high-value engine parts and components
Protective end-caps for shipping landing gear and large assemblies
Anti-static (ESD) packaging for flight deck electronics and computers
Component separation dunnage

Evazote

Closed-cell, cross-linked ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer

Tougher and more resilient than Plastazote; exceptional impact recovery; high buoyancy; superior resistance to UV/weathering.

High-resilience gaskets and structural gap seals
Vibration isolation mounts
Specialised cockpit padding and helmet liners
Cargo bay insulation seals

Microlen

Closed-cell microcellular foam

Fine-celled, highly aesthetic finish; smooth texture; good thermal insulation; lightweight; easily thermoformed.

Custom flight deck compartment liners
Specialised presentation packaging for high-end instruments
Internal acoustic and thermal insulation panels

Stratocell

Laminated closed-cell polyethylene (PE)

Cost-effective; high-yield cushioning performance; multi-layer structural rigidity; lightweight; excellent moisture resistance.

Volume-optimised protective packaging for replacement parts
Transit protection casing for wings, control surfaces, and structural components
Lightweight crate lining

Supazote

Ultra-soft, closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene (PE)

Softest and most flexible foam in the Azote range; highly elastomeric; comfortable touch; excellent energy-absorbing properties.

Comfort padding in specialised pilot headgear and communication headsets
Soft-touch cabin trim and insulation wraps for complex geometries
Seals requiring ultra-low closure force

ZOTEK

High-performance closed-cell fluoropolymer (ZOTEK F) or nylon (ZOTEK N) foams

Exceptional Fire, Smoke, and Toxicity (FST) performance; heat resistant up to 160°C; highly biological/chemical inert; ultra-lightweight.

Thermal insulation in aircraft galleys, refrigerators, chiller ducts)
Insulation for cabin door seals, pipework, and air ducting
Fuselage interior aircraft carpet underlay
Water diverters and condensation gap fillers
Packaging

Additional products

Alongside the foam we supply, we also allow you to source a wide range of exterior packaging, cases and bags.

UK foam converters

Why work with us?

Our expertise and experience in manufacturing high-performance aerospace foam components and protective transit packaging, along with our status as an approved Zotefoams fabricator using premium materials like Plastazote® and ZOTEK®, enable us to deliver a broad range of benefits to your supply chain, assembly lines, and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) operations.

UK manufacture
Manufacturing your aerospace foam parts and component packaging at our cutting-edge UK foam conversion facility guarantees the highest quality, strict adherence to tight aviation tolerances, and reliable performance.
Short lead times
Our process, from initial consulting and CAD design through to rapid prototyping, sample testing, and full-scale manufacture, is quick, efficient, and built to keep pace with demanding aerospace production and maintenance schedules.
Aerospace foam experts
Our team can advise on the exact foam densities and specifications required for your specific application – whether that is dual-colour tool control inserts for FOD (Foreign Object Debris) prevention, anti-static grades for sensitive avionics, or high-performance, lightweight materials that meet rigorous aerospace fire, smoke, and toxicity (FST) standards such as FAR 25.853.
Single source supply
We can manufacture precision flight-ready foam components and protective transit kitting inserts, improving compatibility with your existing logistics containers, lowering your costs, and simplifying your procurement.
Vast industry experience
We have more than 4 decades of experience converting technical foams into high-performance protective packaging, material-handling inserts, and engineered parts for aerospace OEMs, Tier 1 aviation suppliers, and defence contractors.
Sustainability
We help you meet strict environmental and efficiency targets. By using advanced design processes, we minimise material use and production waste, while our ultra-lightweight foam solutions help reduce overall aircraft weight and fuel consumption.
Wide range of options

Similar foam products

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UK experts

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