Polyurethane foam in the home is called foam rubber. The scope of its use is quite wide and, without exaggeration, covers all spheres of human activity. This synthetic cell foam has high breathability and elasticity. The material has insulating properties and is indispensable in the manufacture of upholstered furniture of economy class.
The main types
If you wondered what polyurethane foam is in upholstered furniture, then you should familiarize yourself with its varieties, which can be super soft or hard. However, this parameter is not the only one used for classification. Among other types, it should be distinguished:
- standard polyurethane foam;
- hard material;
- foam with increased rigidity;
- highly elastic;
- highly elastic with fire safety qualities.
The standard version is indicated by two letters ST. If you have material labeled EL, then you should know that it has increased rigidity. If you want to choose rigid polyurethane foam, then you should look for the designation HL.
The abbreviation HR * refers to highly elastic material. But the foam, designated by manufacturers as HS, has increased softness. Fire safety is indicated by the letters CMHR. If you want to get highly elastic foam rubber, then you should look for the designation HR *. Each of these varieties is a sheet material that can be classified into subclasses.
The standard variety is usually used in the production of backs of chairs, mattresses, seats, if their load does not exceed 80 kg. Such products are most often found in furniture in modern stores. Polyurethane foam for upholstered furniture can have increased rigidity. Similar products are made from it, which undergo higher loads of up to 100 kg and higher.
Super soft and soft varieties are used when the load does not exceed 60 kg. If we compare the above types with highly elastic species, the latter will be able to withstand loads of up to 120 kg. This material is called superior foam rubber.
Classification by release form
Furniture polyurethane foam can also be subdivided in shape. Products may be:
- roll;
- leafy;
- blocky;
- acoustic.
The sheet variety has a rectangular shape, and the thickness of the canvas can reach 1000 mm. Manufacturers supply such polyurethane foam in a standard cut or take into account individual customer requirements. The roll type is supplied in reels of different widths. The material is convenient to use, and its thickness does not exceed 30 mm.
Block variety
Manufacturers offer foam on a substrate of synthetic materials and fabrics. The block variety has a rigid non-porous surface. This type of foam is poured into forms of various configurations, in addition to cubic. After cooling, the crust is removed, and the material acquires a homogeneous structure. Acoustic foam is supplied as separate panels. It may have a relief. Panels differ:
Key Features
Before you purchase polyurethane foam for furniture, you should familiarize yourself with its basic properties, among which density should be highlighted. This indicator is very important and determines the main characteristics, among them:
- ability to restore its original form;
- wear resistance;
- rigidity.
Even in the middle and even the end of the 20th century, foam rubber was produced, the operational characteristics of which were much lower compared to those that modern polyurethane foam has.
pros
The main advantages are as follows:
- the material is not subject to mold;
- has high elasticity;
- has a high degree of sound insulation;
- retains properties over a wide temperature range;
- does not cause allergic reactions.
Furniture polyurethane foam is not a favorable environment for the life of insects. It has moisture resistance, and it can be operated at temperatures from -40 to +100 ° C. In the furniture industry, foam rubber has found its application also due to the fact that it has the ability to take the necessary forms.
Selection recommendations
Modern industry makes many varieties of polyurethane foam. Its classification can be carried out on the basis of some factors, among others, rigidity should be highlighted. Having visited the store, you can find the following types of foam rubber:
The first is recommended for use in the manufacture of luxury furniture. In the production of mattresses, standard foam rubber is used, while hard foam acts as a filler for office furniture. You can also get acquainted with the characteristics by asking the seller for a certificate. If in it you saw a designation of stiffness from 0.5 kPa, then this is an ultra-soft material.
Superhard polyurethane foam withstands up to 10 kPa. It is able to replace spring blocks. But the soft variety is usually used in combination with other materials. Practice shows that the best option should be considered the selection of material for different elements of upholstered furniture based on density. For example, in the manufacture of seats that will experience high loads, the density should be 30 kg / m 3 . For backs and armrests, which have a lower load during operation, polyurethane foam with a lower density, which does not exceed 25 kg / m 3 , should be used.
The highest degree of apparent density is necessary for the material that forms the basis of thin decking in seats. This value should not be less than 35 kg / m 3 . The choice is due to the fact that with a decrease in the thickness of the flooring, it will be more susceptible to deformation. When choosing polyurethane foam for furniture, you should consider that the block variety is good for making mattresses. This is due to high breathability, low weight and excellent heat and moisture exchange. The apparent density should not be less than 35 kg / m 3 . This is necessary so that the cells do not deform, and moisture and air exchange are not disturbed inside.
Cost
Polyurethane foam sheet for furniture can be purchased at different prices, which are affected by the characteristics of the type of stiffness. If it is elevated, then you can use the material to fill upholstered furniture. The price in this case is 100 rubles. per sheet. For a super-hard variety you will have to pay 780 rubles. This material has excellent characteristics and high durability.
The price of polyurethane foam for furniture will be equal to 790 rubles. per sheet, if you get a tough variety with high elasticity and ability to recover. The soft type of polyurethane foam can be bought for 190 rubles. It is suitable as packaging and is used in the manufacture of sidewalls, armrests, head restraints and backs of upholstered furniture.
Specialists in their field also know the foam of secondary foaming. It has a high density and is used not only in the furniture but also in the automotive industry. One sheet of such material costs 320 rubles. Polyurethane foam in black with standard hardness costs 265 rubles. It is suitable for packaging fragile products, as well as gifts for the need to transport them.
The density of polyurethane foam for furniture has already been discussed. If it is increased, as well as rigidity, then for the sheet you will pay 2950 rubles. Highly elastic variety, which is called artificial latex and does not leave dents even after prolonged use, costs 1110 rubles. per sheet.
Finally
Polyurethane foam is widely used in the furniture industry. It is durable and designed based on polyethers. Foam rubber is resistant to aging, is not exposed to changes in temperature and moisture. It has high sanitary and hygienic characteristics and is safe for human health.