EPE
EPE is a closed-cell foamed polyethylene sheet, roll and profile, widely known as pearl cotton, produced by extrusion foaming in density grades D15 to D50 with antistatic, ESD, flame-retardant, cross-linked (XPE) and laminated variants.
Reference datasheet — EPE is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
EPE grades and fills
EPE is supplied in 6 conditions, soft to hard.
Compare all 6 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Low density foam, 12–18 kg/m³ | Pick the 12–18 kg/m³ foam for lightweight void fill and surface scratch wrapping: lowest cost per unit weight, but limited cushioning load capacity. | 0.15 | 70 | 6 Shore A | |
Flame-retardant EPE | Specify the flame-retardant version (UL94 V-2 / GB 8624 B1) for rail transit interiors, building linings and electrical cabinet padding with fire requirements. | 0.22 | 65 | 12 Shore A | |
Conductive (carbon-loaded) EPE, 10^4–10^6 Ω | Use the carbon-loaded conductive foam for component trays and liners that need a discharge path at 10^4–10^6 Ω; accept carbon rub-off and higher cost. | 0.28 | 70 | 13 Shore A | |
Medium density foam, 28–35 kg/m³ | Choose the 28–35 kg/m³ foam for moulded or routed inserts holding medium-weight products, balancing load bearing against rebound. | 0.3 | 95 | 12 Shore A | |
High density foam, 45–60 kg/m³ | Pick the 45–60 kg/m³ foam for repeated-drop protection of heavy appliances and electromechanical products — highest load bearing, at higher material cost. | 0.5 | 110 | 22 Shore A | |
Cross-linked PE foam | Choose the cross-linked (XPE/IXPE) foam when you need fine cell structure, smooth surface, low compression set and thermoformability; it costs about 2–4× the non-crosslinked foam. | 0.5 | 130 |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways EPE is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
LAM | Film / aluminized-film laminated EPE | Surface finish |
AS | Antistatic grade | Coating |
FDA | Food-contact / clean grade | Certification |
STDDefault | Standard non-crosslinked EPE, natural white | Standard supply |
What is EPE?
EPE is a closed-cell foamed polyethylene sheet, roll and profile, widely known as pearl cotton, produced by extrusion foaming in density grades D15 to D50 with antistatic, ESD, flame-retardant, cross-linked (XPE) and laminated variants. It is used where lightweight cushioning, moisture resistance and recyclability matter: density about 0.025 g/cm3, tensile strength 0.25 MPa, thermal conductivity 0.038 W/m.K and service to 75 C. Load-bearing capacity and compression-set recovery are limited, so it suits interleaving and single-impact protection rather than structural or repeated-impact duty, where cross-linked XPE or EPP is the alternative. EPE has a density of 0.03 g/cm³ (9.03×10⁻⁴ lb/in³), lighter than 96% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is -110°C (-166 °F). EPE has a tensile strength of 0.25 MPa (0.0363 ksi), weaker than 95% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 90% and the elastic modulus is 0 GPa (2.9×10⁻⁴ Msi).
What is EPE used for?
- protective packaging cushioning
- thermal/acoustic insulation liner
- floor underlayment
- shock-absorbing case inserts
Advantages
- Lightweight — 0.03 g/cm³ (9.03×10⁻⁴ lb/in³), better than 96% of polymer grades
- Forms and bends easily — 90/100, better than 91% of polymer grades
- Easy to machine — 85/100, better than 88% of polymer grades
- Low embodied carbon — 2.8 kg CO₂/kg, better than 86% of polymer grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 90/100, better than 82% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Low stiffness — 0 GPa (2.9×10⁻⁴ Msi), worse than 95% of polymer grades
- Poor heat conductor — 0.04 W/m·K (0.022 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 90% of polymer grades
- Degrades in UV without stabilisers — 25/100, worse than 76% of polymer grades
EPE properties
Typical room-temperature values; bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical4
EPE has a density of 0.03 g/cm³ (9.03×10⁻⁴ lb/in³), lighter than 96% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is -110°C (-166 °F).
Mechanical8
EPE has a tensile strength of 0.25 MPa (0.0363 ksi), weaker than 95% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 90% and the elastic modulus is 0 GPa (2.9×10⁻⁴ Msi).
Thermal8
EPE is rated for continuous service to 75°C (167 °F). It conducts heat at 0.04 W/m·K (0.022 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 90% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 180 µm/m·K (100 µin/in·°F).
Electrical6
EPE is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 2.5 kV/mm (63.5 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is excellent (90/100), better than 82% of polymer grades. UV resistance is poor.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of EPE takes about 90 MJ of energy and emits 2.8 kg of CO₂ — less than 75% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 10%.
Manufacturability5
EPE's machinability is excellent (85/100, better than 88% of polymer grades); weldability very good (70/100); formability excellent (90/100).
Common Calculations4
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the polymer family
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade FabDigit runs. EPE is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with EPE
Is EPE easy to machine?
Cut with hot wire, bandsaw, steel-rule die or waterjet. CNC routing needs a sharp single-flute cutter with vacuum hold-down, fast feed and moderate spindle speed to avoid melting and smearing.
Can EPE be welded?
Hot-air gun or hot-plate fusion and hot-melt adhesive both work well, and multiple sheets can be welded into thick blocks. Solvent bonding is ineffective; corona or flame treatment is needed before conventional adhesives.
Can EPE be formed, bent or molded?
After extrusion foaming, allow 1-3 days of ageing to degas. Non-cross-linked sheet can be hot-pressed, grooved and coil-formed; cross-linked XPE can be vacuum or compression thermoformed into complex liners.
EPE chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| physical blowing agent (butane/pentane rgradually replaced by air after foaming; requires curing | 0.2 – 3 | 1 |
| talc (nucleating agent) | 0.3 – 2 | 1 |
| glycerol monostearate / permeability & aantistatic grades add agent; conductive add 3–8 % carbon black | 0.5 – 2.5 | 1.2 |
| colour masterbatch / FR additive (option | 0 – 10 | 0 |
| ethylene (LDPE base resin)LDPE; some formulations add LLDPE/EVA for toughness | ≥ 92 (balance) |
What surface finishes work on EPE?
Screen printing and heat transfer are possible after corona treatment, and sheet can be laminated with metallised or PE film, die-cut and grooved. No plating, and avoid solvent-based paints, which attack the cell structure.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to EPE in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- Also called
- EPE Foam
How much does EPE cost?
EPE is a standard-cost polymer ($$), cheaper than about 71% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
EPE — frequently asked
What is EPE used for?
EPE is typically used for protective packaging cushioning, thermal/acoustic insulation liner, floor underlayment and shock-absorbing case inserts. In short: lightest PE cushioning form; low-cost protective packaging; closed-cell, moisture resistant.
What is the tensile strength of EPE?
EPE has a typical tensile strength of 0.25 MPa (0.0363 ksi) — weaker than 95% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is EPE easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (85/100, better than 88% of polymer grades). Cut with hot wire, bandsaw, steel-rule die or waterjet. CNC routing needs a sharp single-flute cutter with vacuum hold-down, fast feed and moderate spindle speed to avoid melting and smearing.
Can EPE be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (70/100). Hot-air gun or hot-plate fusion and hot-melt adhesive both work well, and multiple sheets can be welded into thick blocks. Solvent bonding is ineffective; corona or flame treatment is needed before conventional adhesives.
What surface finishes work on EPE?
Screen printing and heat transfer are possible after corona treatment, and sheet can be laminated with metallised or PE film, die-cut and grooved. No plating, and avoid solvent-based paints, which attack the cell structure.
Can EPE be formed, bent or molded?
After extrusion foaming, allow 1-3 days of ageing to degas. Non-cross-linked sheet can be hot-pressed, grooved and coil-formed; cross-linked XPE can be vacuum or compression thermoformed into complex liners.
What is the maximum service temperature of EPE?
EPE is rated for continuous use to about 75°C (167 °F), and briefly to 90°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does EPE cost?
EPE is a standard-cost polymer ($$), cheaper than about 71% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- ASTM D3575 Flexible Cellular Materials Made from Olefin Polymers — ASTM (2020)
- Polyethylene foam (Cell-Aire / Ethafoam) product data — Sealed Air / DuPont (2022)
- Alveolit / Alveolen cross-linked PE foam data sheets — Sekisui Alveo (2023)
- Handbook of Polymeric Foams and Foam Technology — Hanser (2004)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.