If you are part of or supply the instrumentation, scientific, or laboratory sectors, high-precision foam parts and packaging are essential.
At Polyformes, instrumentation is one of our largest market sectors, where products are frequently supplied as complete kits with multiple delicate accessories. We offer a wide range of transit and field solutions, from small plastic presentation cases to durable, waterproof Explorer Cases. We can also provide custom foam inserts and protective foam end caps for your packaging. In the laboratory environment, we manufacture shaped Plastazote® foam pads for holding tubes and samples, as well as support cradles and drawer liners. As Plastazote® is chemically resistant and waterproof, it is the ideal material for laboratory conditions, offering a clean, lightweight, and reusable solution.
By combining our extensive knowledge, bespoke design approach and in-house machining capabilities, we can offer a tailored service that scales from prototyping a single instrument kit to supporting large-scale laboratory requirements.
Many scientific applications call for high performance technical foams, such as the ones converted at Polyformes.
This encompasses a range of specialist protective packaging, alongside various sector specific applications and uses.
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 instrumentation, scientific, and laboratory applications
Plastazote®
Closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene (PE)
Extreme high purity; non-toxic, latex-free, and hypoallergenic; chemically inert: Highly resistant to oils, solvents, dilute acids, and UV light; non-crumbling, non-abrasive, and easily sterilised; available in permanently conductive (ESD) and static-dissipative grades.
ARPLANK
Isotropic expanded polyethylene (EPE) or expanded polypropylene (EPP)
Isotropic performance with equal shock absorption and energy dissipation in all three axes (multidirectional); zero VOCs or chemical outgassing; resistant to water and oils; wide temperature limits.
Ethafoam
Closed-cell, non-cross-linked expanded polyethylene (EPE)
High load-bearing capacity; biological resistance, being resistant to mildew, rot, and bacterial growth, multi-impact protection; high resilient elasticity that withstands repeated shocks.
Evazote
Closed-cell, cross-linked ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer
Higher impact resistance and elasticity than standard polyethylene; more rubbery texture, outstanding resistance to compression set under heavy, repeated loading.
Microlen
Closed-cell microcellular foam
Fine cell structure; ultra-smooth finish preventing micro-scratches on delicate lenses or sensors; dimensionally stable.
Stratocell
Laminated closed-cell polyethylene (PE)
High strength-to-weight ratio; multi-layer lamination; non-abrasive finish allowing direct contact with highly polished instruments.
Supazote
Ultra-soft, closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene (PE)
Super-soft touch; Exceptionally flexible and soft tactile feel; ideal for highly delicate, fragile glass apparatuses or low-pressure sealing.
ZOTEK
High-performance closed-cell fluoropolymer (ZOTEK F) or nylon (ZOTEK N) foams
Extreme temperature tolerance; inherent chemical resistance including to harsh hydrocarbons, ketones, alcohols, and aggressive sterilising agents; ultra-low outgassing; cleanliness profiles required for cleanrooms and vacuum testing.
Alongside the foam we supply, we also allow you to source a wide range of exterior packaging, cases and bags.
Our expertise and experience in manufacturing high-performance foam inserts, custom cases, and engineered components for scientific instrumentation enable us to deliver a broad range of benefits to your supply chain, laboratory environments, and field operations.
UK manufacture
Short lead times
Scientific instrumentation foam experts
Single source supply
Vast industry experience
Sustainability
Disclaimer: Generative Ai may be used on this site when specifically creating content and information relating to the products, processes and materials we use at Polyformes. Any Ai content undergoes stringent reviews and editing by humans to check accuracy. Please view this content policy for further details.
Send us a message
If you need high-performance foam inserts, packaging, products or materials, we can help. Please contact a member of our team for a free consultation and quote.
This form will collect your personal information to answer your enquiry. For information on the data we collect and how we use your information, please see our privacy policy.
Our experts
The information on this page was written and checked by our team of experts. You can contact them to discuss your requirements, or for any questions you may have, using the details here.
Sales Enquiries
[email protected]
01525 852 444 (option 1)
Accounts Enquiries
[email protected]
01525 852 444 (option 2)
