Flightcase Foam inserts (Where to buy)?

[PaulClements]

Hi,

Does anyone know a good place to buy foam inserts for flight cases? I'm after the type that can be cut up nicely with a hacksaw blade or similar.

Preferably UK or Europe but US recommendations welcomed.

Most of the stuff I can find seems to be quite thin pieces rather than big large blocks of foam that could completely fill the flight cases. I'm guessing one could layer the foam together but ideally big huge pieces would be better.

Thanks very much
Paul

 

[Frank Martin]

Paul you might be able to find 4'x8'x2-4" closed cell
Foam. Lay out the pattern and glue layers with contact cement
This is what some local camera houses do. They get there foam from
a local supplier and layer stiffer/ softer foams

 

[PaulClements]

Hi Frank,

Thanks, I figured as much, the plastazote looks like the best of the best but it's pricey, especially for what I need it for.

Just seems a shame that large chunks don't seem readily available for some reason.

Paul

 

[Stephen Webb]

Hi Paul,

Don't know if they'll have exactly what you want but you could try EFoam.

Regards.

 

[PaulClements]

Hi Stephen,

Thanks for the link, I'll check it out.

I spoke to a fella at www.foamengineers.co.uk who quoted me on 9ftx2ft pieces 2inch or 4inch thick for £20 or £40 each for quantities of 10+ and 5+ respectively. The foam is Polyethylene that's most used in camera cases apparently, it's closed cell. He's sending me over a sample of it so I'll wait and see (£200 minimum order).

He said to use a hot air gun (Like those used to strip paint) and then put the pieces next to each other and they weld together solid. The foam can be cut with a sharp blade such as a stanley knife. Should be fun!

Paul

 

[paul ballantyne]

Hi Paul,

Definitely closed cell Polyethylene is the way to go - keeps it shape, nice and strong and does not get too spongy. Many foam suppliers are the "sofa" type of foam - avoid it.

Both these companies are UK based and specialise in flight case inserts.
We have spoken to them over the phone in the past - they seem very professional and friendly, but we of course get our inserts from Peli.

An option is just to ask them if they will sell you some "off cuts".

They often say they have to cut up big sheets for you and so they have a lot of wastage, which will then cost you the £200 plus you mention.

http://www.5star-cases.com/foam_inserts.html
http://www.oakleighcases.com/gallery/foamInserts/p1.asp

As they say over there - "just my two cents worth"

 

[PaulClements]

Thanks Paul,

I need a fair old bit so I'll probably plump for 5 lots of the 4 inch thick stuff for £200... Should leave me with plenty spare for... er... future projects!

Cheers
Paul

Hi Paul,

Definitely closed cell Polyethylene is the way to go - keeps it shape, nice and strong and does not get too spongy. Many foam suppliers are the "sofa" type of foam - avoid it.

Both these companies are UK based and specialise in flight case inserts.
We have spoken to them over the phone in the past - they seem very professional and friendly, but we of course get our inserts from Peli.

An option is just to ask them if they will sell you some "off cuts".

They often say they have to cut up big sheets for you and so they have a lot of wastage, which will then cost you the £200 plus you mention.

http://www.5star-cases.com/foam_inserts.html
http://www.oakleighcases.com/gallery/foamInserts/p1.asp

As they say over there - "just my two cents worth"

 

[Calvin Cooke]

This place advertises custom foam inserts and they're UK based. Maybe they can help you out?