man with drill
Reticulated foam is used in a variety of applications and many people have seen it in one form or another. It is a light foam with open cells and each cell is in the shape of a dodecahedron (12 sides). Its uses are plentiful. It can cover speaker grills, be used as a filter in air conditioners, air purifiers, or vacuum cleaners, or form vital parts of medical or military equipment, just to name a few of the ways it can be employed.
Perhaps the most interesting part of reticulated foam is the way it is produced. This is an extremely structured and controlled process. Companies that create reticulated foam start by selecting foam with pores (openings) of nearly identical size. These pieces are placed in a pressurized container, into which gases are introduced to create an explosion.
When the explosion is in progress, it creates an environment in which most of the material in each pore or cell has been “burst”. Almost 100% of the foam has been removed from each “pore”. This means that each piece of foam is now in the classic dodecahedron shape and much lighter. This can be done in various thicknesses of foam, and the entire procedure must be carefully orchestrated so that the explosion is contained and works exactly as needed to work the foam, but without destroying it.
While reticulated foam is often used in various things such as medical devices, machines, or vehicles, there are times when people may want this type of foam for other purposes. For example, it can be used to help make a variety of crafts. However, it can sometimes be difficult to find small foam sizes. The best options are to contact local stores that sell crafts or specifically sell foam and check online.
There is no doubt that reticulated foam is proving its worth in many different ways. For example, people may want to look for all-weather chairs or sofas that include this type of foam in their pillows. Due to its open cell design, it tends not to retain water. This means that patio furniture exposed to occasional rain showers will dry out quickly and last longer. Those planning to make their own upholstery for outdoor use will definitely want to check a nearby foam store or online to find reticulated foam for cushions.