English
ixpe foam
Topsun
25kgs/M3-300kgs/M3
Width:1000mm-1500mm
3-50mm
Product Description
Topsun IXPE foam, or irradiated cross-linked polyethylene foam, is a lightweight closed-cell polyethylene foam designed for cushioning, thermal insulation, shock absorption, vibration control and custom industrial applications. The irradiation cross-linking process creates a fine and consistent cellular structure that supports stable mechanical performance and flexible converting.
IXPE foam is widely used in automotive interiors, electronics, precision packaging, HVAC insulation, construction, sports products and other applications where low water absorption, lightweight cushioning and thermal insulation are required.
Topsun supplies IXPE foam in different expansion ratios and densities. The current product range covers approximately 25–300 kg/m³, with widths from 1000–1500 mm and thicknesses from 3–50 mm. Black, white and customized colors are available.
IXPE can be glued, printed, laminated, die-cut, punched, slit, cut, carved, embossed and formed into customized components according to customer drawings, samples and application requirements.
IXPE is polyethylene foam that has been cross-linked through an irradiation process. Cross-linking creates connections between polymer chains before or during foaming, helping produce a more uniform and stable cellular structure than conventional non-cross-linked polyethylene foam.
The resulting material has an independent closed-cell structure, smooth surface and low water absorption. Different foaming ratios can be produced to obtain different density, hardness, tensile strength, elongation, tear strength and thermal performance.
This combination allows IXPE foam to be used as a lightweight cushioning, insulation and converted component material in automotive, electronics, HVAC, packaging and industrial applications.
Closed-cell structure: supports low water absorption and moisture-resistant applications.
Lightweight: suitable where component weight and material efficiency are important.
Cushioning: suitable for packaging, electronic components and protective foam parts.
Thermal insulation: the closed-cell structure helps reduce heat transfer caused by air convection.
Vibration damping: useful for automotive, machinery and electronic component interfaces.
Low water absorption: suitable for insulation and protective applications exposed to moisture.
Consistent cell structure: supports cutting, forming, lamination and die-cut processing.
Wide density range: different expansion ratios provide different hardness, strength and weight options.
Custom converting: suitable for lamination, adhesive backing, punching, die cutting, embossing and hot forming.
Topsun supplies IXPE foam grades from 3× to 40× expansion. The table below compares density, hardness, tensile strength, elongation, tear strength, compression deformation, dimensional change, water absorption and thermal conductivity.
T refers to the transverse direction and L refers to the longitudinal direction. Final product selection should be based on the required density, thickness, hardness, mechanical performance and processing method.
| IXPE Foam Specification | ||||||||||||
| Test Item | Index | Standards | ||||||||||
| 3Times | 5Times | 8Times | 10Times | 15Times | 20Times | 25Times | 30Times | 35Times | 40Times | |||
| Density (kg/m³) | 300±40 | 200±30 | 125±15 | 100±10 | 66.7±8 | 50±6 | 40±4 | 33.3±3 | 28.6±3 | 26±3 | GB/T 6343 | |
| Shore Hardness (°) | Thick >3mm | 65~75 | 60~70 | 50~60 | 45~50 | 35~45 | 30~35 | 25~30 | 18~25 | 13~18 | 13~18 | GB/T 2411 |
| Thick ≤3mm | 55~65 | 45~55 | 35~45 | 25~35 | 20~25 | 15~20 | ||||||
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | T | ≥1.4 | ≥1.3 | ≥0.9 | ≥0.7 | ≥0.5 | ≥0.4 | ≥0.3 | ≥0.2 | ≥0.15 | ≥0.15 | GB/T 6344 |
| L | ≥1.6 | ≥1.5 | ≥1.0 | ≥0.8 | ≥0.6 | ≥0.5 | ≥0.4 | ≥0.25 | ≥0.2 | ≥0.2 | ||
| Elongation (%) | T | ≥210 | ≥200 | ≥150 | ≥130 | ≥130 | ≥130 | ≥110 | ≥110 | ≥100 | ≥100 | GB/T 6344 |
| L | ≥230 | ≥220 | ≥170 | ≥150 | ≥150 | ≥150 | ≥120 | ≥120 | ≥110 | ≥110 | ||
| Tearing Strength (kN/m) | T | ≥10 | ≥9 | ≥8 | ≥6 | ≥4 | ≥2.5 | ≥2 | ≥1.5 | ≥1.3 | ≥1.3 | GB/T 10808 |
| L | ≥10 | ≥9 | ≥8 | ≥6 | ≥4 | ≥2.5 | ≥2 | ≥1.2 | ≥1.2 | ≥1.2 | ||
| Compressed Distortions (%) 23℃±2℃, 22h | ≤2 | ≤2 | ≤3 | ≤5 | ≤7 | ≤8 | ≤9 | ≤10 | ≤11 | ≤11 | GB/T 6669 | |
| Size Change Rate (%) 70±2℃, 22h | T | ≤-4 | ≤-4 | ≤-4 | ≤-4 | ≤-4 | ≤-6 | ≤-6 | ≤-6 | ≤-6 | ≤-6 | GB/T 8811 |
| L | ≤-6 | ≤-6 | ≤-6 | ≤-6 | ≤-6 | ≤-8 | ≤-8 | ≤-8 | ≤-8 | ≤-8 | ||
| Water Absorption (g/cm²) 23℃±2℃, 24h | ≤0.02 | ≤0.02 | ≤0.02 | ≤0.03 | ≤0.03 | ≤0.04 | ≤0.04 | ≤0.05 | ≤0.05 | ≤0.05 | GB/T 1034 | |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | ≤0.095 | ≤0.095 | ≤0.084 | ≤0.073 | ≤0.065 | ≤0.055 | ≤0.049 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.040 | ≤0.040 | GB/T 10297 | |
Expansion ratio is one of the main parameters used to select IXPE foam. The current Topsun range includes 3×, 5×, 8×, 10×, 15×, 20×, 25×, 30×, 35× and 40× grades.
Lower expansion ratios correspond to higher-density IXPE foam. For example, the 3× grade is approximately 300±40 kg/m³, while the 40× grade is approximately 26±3 kg/m³.
Higher-density grades generally provide greater hardness, tensile strength and tear resistance. Higher expansion ratios produce lighter and softer foam that is often selected for cushioning, insulation and lightweight applications.
The correct expansion ratio should therefore be selected according to the required density, hardness, support, weight, thermal conductivity and finished component design.
| Industry | Typical Uses |
| Automotive | Interior cushioning, roof components, HVAC parts, vibration-control pads and formed foam components. |
| Electronics | Protective pads, spacers, cushioning, laminated parts and precision packaging. |
| Protective Packaging | Shock-absorbing inserts, liners and protective foam for instruments and components. |
| HVAC and Refrigeration | Thermal insulation, cushioning layers and laminated insulation components. |
| Construction | Insulation layers, flooring underlayment, cushioning and moisture-resistant foam components. |
| Sports and Leisure | Protective padding, mats and lightweight cushioning components. |
| Industrial Equipment | Pads, spacers, insulation components, laminated foam and die-cut parts. |
The closed-cell structure of IXPE foam limits air movement within the material, helping reduce heat transfer. Thermal conductivity varies according to expansion ratio and density.
In the current technical table, thermal conductivity ranges from ≤0.095 W/m·K for the denser grades to ≤0.040 W/m·K for selected higher-expansion grades under the stated test method.
IXPE can therefore be considered for HVAC, refrigeration, building materials and other lightweight insulation applications where thermal performance and low water absorption are required.
IXPE is a lightweight semi-rigid foam that can provide cushioning and shock absorption for electronic products, instruments, semiconductor components and other sensitive products.
Different densities can be selected according to the weight, fragility and required support of the protected product. IXPE can also be die-cut, laminated or engraved into inserts and protective components.
IXPE foam is used in automotive interiors where lightweight cushioning, insulation, vibration control and formed foam components are required.
Its even density and processing flexibility allow the material to be used in interior trim, roof components, air-conditioning parts, cushioning pads and other shaped or laminated automotive foam products.
IXPE foam can be converted into finished or semi-finished components using different forming and fabrication processes.
Hot Press Molding: heated IXPE material can be placed into a mold, pressed and cooled to form a defined shape.
Thermoforming: sheet or roll material can be heated and formed into suitable three-dimensional components.
Thermal Bonding: IXPE can be combined with suitable materials through heat bonding to create composite structures.
Punching and Die Cutting: hydraulic punching, die cutting and CNC processing can produce custom shapes according to drawings.
Lamination: IXPE can be laminated with suitable films, fabrics and other materials according to finished product requirements.
Embossing: surface patterns can be produced through roller processing for suitable applications.
Adhesive Backing: pressure-sensitive adhesive and release liner can be applied for easier positioning and assembly.
IXPE and XPE are both cross-linked polyethylene foam materials, but they use different cross-linking methods. IXPE uses irradiation cross-linking, while XPE commonly uses chemical cross-linking.
| Comparison | IXPE Foam | XPE Foam |
| Cross-Linking Method | Irradiation cross-linking | Chemical cross-linking |
| Cell Structure | Closed-cell | Closed-cell |
| Typical Forms | Sheets, rolls, laminated foam and converted parts | Sheets, rolls, insulation and converted products |
| Common Applications | Automotive, electronics, precision packaging, HVAC and formed components | Construction, insulation, packaging, automotive and industrial applications |
IXPE foam should be selected according to the requirements of the finished component rather than expansion ratio alone.
Expansion ratio: specify the required 3×–40× grade if already known.
Density: determine the required support, weight and cushioning level.
Thickness: specify finished thickness and whether lamination or forming is required.
Hardness: identify the required firmness or flexibility.
Application: automotive, electronics, HVAC, packaging, construction or another industrial use.
Mechanical requirements: tensile strength, elongation, tear resistance or compression performance.
Thermal requirements: specify insulation or thermal conductivity requirements where applicable.
Processing: identify lamination, adhesive backing, die cutting, forming, embossing or printing requirements.
Finished dimensions: provide drawings, dimensions or samples for custom parts.
Quantity: provide sample, trial and estimated production quantities.
Topsun provides foam material supply together with custom converting services for manufacturers, distributors and industrial buyers.
1. Cutting: foam sheets, rolls and components can be cut according to customer dimensions.
2. Slicing: foam can be sliced to the required thickness.
3. Lamination: hot-melt film lamination, flame lamination and pressure-sensitive adhesive lamination are available.
4. Laser Cutting: suitable custom foam shapes can be produced according to drawings.
5. Die Cutting: tooling can be produced for repeatable pads, gaskets, inserts and other foam components.
6. Compression Molding: three-dimensional molded foam and foam composite components can be manufactured for defined geometry requirements.
7. Engraving: suitable for tool-box inserts, packaging inserts and customized foam components.
8. Silk-Screen Printing: logos and patterns can be printed on suitable foam surfaces.
9. Adhesive Backing: adhesive and release liner can be laminated onto foam to manufacture tapes, pads and self-adhesive parts.
Topsun supplies EVA foam, PE foam, XPE foam, IXPE foam, CR foam, EPDM foam, neoprene foam, SBR foam, NBR foam and micro-cell soft PVC foam. Materials can be supplied as sheets and rolls or converted into customized industrial foam components.
Topsun is a professional foam material supplier and foam converter. Customers can provide density, expansion ratio, thickness, dimensions, drawings, samples, lamination structure and application requirements for product evaluation.
Our factory is located in Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China, with convenient access to Shanghai Port for international shipments.
Irradiated cross-linked polyethylene foam, commonly called IXPE foam, is a closed-cell polyethylene foam produced using irradiation cross-linking. It combines lightweight structure, low water absorption, cushioning and thermal insulation performance.
IXPE is commonly used to describe irradiation cross-linked polyethylene foam.
Yes. IXPE has a closed-cell structure, which helps provide low water absorption, cushioning and thermal insulation.
Topsun's current IXPE range covers approximately 25–300 kg/m³. The technical table includes grades from approximately 26±3 kg/m³ at 40× expansion to 300±40 kg/m³ at 3× expansion.
The 3× grade is a high-density IXPE foam at approximately 300±40 kg/m³, while the 40× grade is a much lighter foam at approximately 26±3 kg/m³. Density, hardness and mechanical properties change with expansion ratio.
IXPE is used in automotive interiors, electronic components, protective packaging, HVAC insulation, construction materials, sports products and customized industrial foam parts.
IXPE has low water absorption because of its closed-cell structure. The existing technical table lists water absorption values from ≤0.02 to ≤0.05 g/cm² depending on the expansion ratio under the stated test conditions.
The current technical data lists thermal conductivity values from ≤0.095 W/m·K to ≤0.040 W/m·K depending on the IXPE expansion ratio and density.
Both IXPE and XPE are cross-linked polyethylene foams. IXPE uses irradiation cross-linking, while XPE generally uses chemical cross-linking. Final material selection depends on density, thickness, forming method and application requirements.
Yes. IXPE can be processed by hot press molding and thermoforming for suitable applications. Density, thickness and finished geometry should be confirmed before production.
Yes. IXPE can be laminated or thermally bonded with suitable films, fabrics and other materials according to insulation, cushioning, surface and assembly requirements.
Yes. Pressure-sensitive adhesive and release liner can be applied to suitable IXPE foam to produce self-adhesive sheets, strips, pads, tapes and custom parts.
Yes. IXPE can be punched, die-cut, laser-cut, carved and processed into customized shapes according to drawings, dimensions or samples.
Selection should consider density, hardness, tensile strength, tear strength, compression behavior, weight, thermal conductivity and the finished application. Lower expansion ratios are denser, while higher expansion ratios produce lighter foam.
Please provide expansion ratio or density, thickness, width and length, color, application, mechanical requirements, lamination or adhesive requirements, finished dimensions or drawing and estimated quantity.
Send your requirements to july@topsunfoam.com with density or expansion ratio, thickness, dimensions, application, processing requirements and estimated quantity for evaluation.
