GUIDE 2026-08-15
Custom Foam Inserts: Pick-and-Pluck, CNC-Cut, Water-Jet, ESD
How to choose the right foam type for your protective case. Density, cell structure, and use case compared.
**Why foam matters**
Foam inserts are what hold your gear in place. The right foam prevents:
- Impact (absorbs energy)
- Vibration (dampens oscillation)
- Static (ESD foam for electronics)
- Scratching (closed-cell surface)
**Foam types compared**
| Type | Cell | Cost | Best for |
|------|------|------|----------|
| Pick-and-pluck | Open | Low | DIY, prototypes, changing gear |
| CNC-cut PU | Open | High | Production, exact fit |
| Water-jet PE | Closed | Med | Industrial, chemical, food |
| EPE | Closed | Low | Light, general, low cost |
| EVA | Closed | Med | Mid-density, custom shapes |
| ESD PU | Conductive | High | Electronics, PCBs, sensors |
| Anti-static PE | Conductive | Med | Electronics with light ESD needs |
**Density matters**
- PU 25-35 kg/m³: General purpose, cameras, tools
- PU 50+ kg/m³: Heavy gear, weapons, industrial
- PU 80+ kg/m³: Precision instruments, optics
- EPE 18-25 kg/m³: Light, foam-in-bag
- EVA 30-40 kg/m³: Mid-density, custom shapes
**Open-cell vs closed-cell**
- **Open-cell (PU)**: Soft, slow rebound, better for delicate gear, water absorbent
- **Closed-cell (PE, EVA)**: Firm, fast rebound, water-resistant, food-safe options
**Kexin's foam services**
We provide:
- Pick-and-pluck foam in stock
- 3D CAD → 2D/3D cut foam (CNC + water jet)
- EPE / EVA / PU / ESD / anti-static
- Replacement foam for evolving kits
Share your device model or send a sample. Kexin engineers the right foam for your gear.
Contact: [email protected].