3M Reinforced Polyurethane Foam: Lightweight Alternative To Plywood

Written by lyndon@orlandi.com.au in Material Type

Do you know what 3M reinforced polyurethane foam is? It’s a type of foam that has been compressed and then covered with an extremely durable material called polyurethane. The finished product is strong, lightweight, and easy to install. In many applications, it offers an ideal rot-resistant and lightweight alternative to plywood.

It can be utilized in structural connections, semi-structural connections, and general construction as an alternative to plywood. These polyurethane foam boards with fiberglass reinforcement achieve high strength for marine and transportation applications, with a weight-saving rating of 30 to 60% in comparison to plywood.

Reinforced Polyurethane Foam is available in five density levels ranging from 15 pounds to 26 pounds per cubic foot. It rounds out 3M’s innovative offering in the foam boards area. It is sold as sheets of four feet by eight feet Reinforced Polyurethane Foam and is a perfect, level board that can be easily handled without any risk of warping. 3M’s new foam is easy to shape with tools and secured with screws, unlike plywood, which can chip or come loose during construction. 

Additional advantages of reinforced polyurethane foam include its inherent rot resistance,

Here are some of the additional benefits:

Benefits Of 3M Reinforced Polyurethane Foam

Protects against mold

Mold can be difficult to remove from porous materials such as carpeting or wood. Polyurethane foam is non-porous so it won’t allow any moisture seep through which means mold will not grow on the surface.

Better Adhesion Than Wood

It provides better adhesion than wood due to its low moisture content.

Durable

You don’t have to worry about this padding breaking down over time because its durability lasts for years! In fact, even if your car gets caught in a fire, the polyurethane foam inside will stay intact!

Has excellent insulative properties

That means lower heating bills during colder months and less cooling needed during warmer days which equals saving money over time without needing to do much work.

Noise Reduction

One benefit is the noise reduction features – when installed correctly, these materials easily reduce sound by more than 30%. If your company works with heavy machinery like forklifts or large vehicles then this is the way to go. This means that when your boss is yelling at you on the other side of this material or even making some phone calls from their desk, you won’t have to hear any of that! if you’re in a home office, it can help reduce noise and be an excellent sound barrier.

Heat Resistant

The material is so durable that it can withstand extreme temperatures up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chemical Resistant

It’s also resistant to acidic chemicals and petroleum products which makes it a great choice for lots of organizations including car dealerships or construction sites.

In Conclusion

New from 3M is its new Reinforced Polyurethane Foam, an economical and lightweight alternative to plywood. In applications such as marine, transportation, and general construction, these polyurethane foam boards with fiberglass reinforcement can save 30 to 60% of weight per board compared to plywood.

The Reinforced Polyurethane Foam is available in five densities ranging from 15 pounds per cubic foot to 26 pounds per cubic foot, completing 3M’s existing line of lighter density foam boards. 

Reinforced Polyurethane Foam comes in 4 foot by 8 foot sheets that provide users with plane, level boards that are easy to work with and won’t warp. With its innovative foam, 3M can easily shape the material with tools and secure it with screws as opposed to plywood, which can crack or pop during construction. Besides it’s inherent rot resistance, reinforced polyurethane foam’s low moisture content provides it with superior adhesion over wood.

According to Nick Harris, global business leader for 3M Engineered Products and Solutions, plywood is currently used in many applications where water causes it to degrade over time. “3M Reinforced Polyurethane Foam not only offers manufacturers a more durable alternate to plywood, but it contributes to weight reduction as well.”

The above YouTube clip describes the comparison between plywood and a simmilar reinforced foam board to the 3m Reinforced Polyurethane Foam.

Additional Information About 3m Reinforced Polyurethane Foam

  • Reinforced polyurethane foam boards from 3m are used for structural and semi-structural applications in a variety of industries.
  • Layers of fiberglass are embedded in the polyurethane foam.
  • Polyurethane foam comes in 4×8 ft sheets.
  • 3m reinforced polyurethane foam is a lightweight and rot-resistant alternative to plywood for use in structural and semi-structural applications.
  • 3m reinforced polyurethane foam offers an alternative to plywood in many project situations.
  • They are structural panels made of high-density polyurethane foam reinforced with fiberglass.
  • It is a lighter alternative to plywood.

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