Polyurethane foam in everyday life 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 is highly breathable and resilient. The material has insulating properties and is indispensable in the manufacture of economy-class upholstered furniture.
Main species
If you wondered what polyurethane foam is in upholstered furniture, you should familiarize yourself with its varieties, which can be super soft or hard. However, this parameter is not the only one by which the classification is carried out. Among other types, it should be noted:
- standard polyurethane foam;
- hard stuff;
- high rigidity foam;
- highly elastic;
- highly elastic with fire retardant qualities.
Standard variety is indicated by two letters ST. If you have EL marked material in front of you, then you mustknow that it has increased rigidity. If you want to choose rigid polyurethane foam, then you should look for the designation HL.
HR stands for highly elastic material. But foam rubber, designated by manufacturers as HS, has increased softness. Fire safety is indicated by the letters CMHR. If you want to purchase highly resilient foam, then you should look for the designation HR. Each of these varieties is a sheet material that can be classified into subclasses.
Standard variety is usually used in the production of chair backs, mattresses, seats, if their load does not exceed 80 kg. Such products are most often found in furniture items in modern stores. Polyurethane foam for upholstered furniture may have increased rigidity. Similar products are made from it, which undergo higher loads of up to 100 kg and more.
Super soft and soft varieties are used when the load does not exceed 60 kg. If we compare the types described above with highly elastic types, the latter will be able to withstand loads up to 120 kg. This material is called comfort foam.
Classification by release form
Polyurethane foam for furniture can also be divided by shape. Products can be:
- roll;
- leaf;
- block;
- acoustic.
The sheet variety has a rectangular shape, and the thickness of the web can reach 1000 mm. Manufacturers supply such polyurethane foam in standard cuts or take into account individual customer requirements. The roll type is supplied in reels of various widths. The material is easy 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 hard, non-porous surface. This type of foam rubber is poured into molds of various configurations, in addition to the cubic one. After cooling, the crust is removed, and the material acquires a homogeneous structure. Acoustic foam rubber is supplied as separate panels. It may have relief. Panels are different:
- size;
- colour;
- shape.
Main Features
Before you buy 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 original shape;
- wear resistant;
- hardness.
Even in the middle and even the end of the 20th century, foam rubber was produced, the performance of which was much lower than that of modern polyurethane foam.
Pros
The main benefits are as follows:
- material is mold resistant;
- has high elasticity;
- has a high degree of sound insulation;
- retains properties over a wide temperature range;
- does not cause allergic reactions.
Polyurethane foam for furniture 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 also found its use due to the fact that it has the ability to take the necessary forms.
Recommendations for selection
Modern industry produces many varieties of polyurethane foam. Its classification can be carried out on the basis of several factors, among others, rigidity should be highlighted. By visiting the store, you can find the following types of foam rubber:
- soft;
- standard;
- hard.
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 the designation of stiffness from 0.5 kPa, then you have an ultra-soft material.
Super-rigid 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. Practiceshows that the most successful 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/m3. For backrests and armrests, which are subject to less load during operation, polyurethane foam with a lower density should be used, which does not exceed 25 kg/m3.
The highest degree of apparent density is needed for the material that forms the basis of the thin seat mats. This value must not be less than 35 kg/m3. 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 at making mattresses. This is due to the high air permeability, low weight and excellent qualities of heat and moisture transfer. The apparent density should not be less than 35 kg/m3. This is necessary so that the cells do not deform, and moisture and air exchange is not disturbed inside.
Cost
Furniture polyurethane foam sheet can be purchased at different prices, which are influenced by the characteristics of the type of rigidity. If it is elevated, then the material can be used to fill upholstered furniture. The price in this case is 100 rubles. per sheet. For a super-rigid variety, you will have to pay 780 rubles. This material has excellent performance and high durability.
The price of polyurethane foam for furniture will be 790 rubles. behindsheet if you purchase a tough variety with high elasticity and resilience. A soft type of polyurethane foam can be bought for 190 rubles. It is suitable as packaging and is used in the manufacture of sides, armrests, headrests and backrests of upholstered furniture.
Specialists in their field also know re-foam rubber. It has a high density and is used not only in the furniture industry, but also in the automotive industry. One sheet of such material costs 320 rubles. Polyurethane foam in black with standard rigidity costs 265 rubles. It is suitable for packing fragile products, as well as gifts if necessary for their transportation.
The density of polyurethane foam for furniture has already been discussed. If it is increased, as well as rigidity, then you will pay 2950 rubles for a sheet. A highly elastic variety, which is called artificial latex and does not leave dents even after prolonged use, costs 1110 rubles. per sheet.
In conclusion
Polyurethane foam has found its wide distribution in the furniture industry. It is durable and formulated from polyethers. Foam rubber is resistant to aging, is not affected by changes in temperature and moisture. It has high sanitary and hygienic characteristics and is safe for human he alth.
