What is Reticulated Foam?

There are many different foam grades available to buy, each with unique properties to offer. Some are similar in nature, while others are unique. One such grade with unique characteristics is reticulated foam.

How Reticulated Foam Works

You only need to look at reticulated foam to notice its distinctiveness. A foam grade with an interlacing structure and open face cells. There’s certainly no other foam quite like it.

Also known as quick-dry foam or filter foam, reticulated foam has inherited these names due to its ability to sieve water with ease.

Regular grades of foam are known to absorb water. Take a dish sponge for example; the very purpose of it is to take water in.

This foam is different though. Instead of absorbing water, the liquid passes through the open faces of its cells. As such, it’s able to dry quicker and can even filter larger debris from liquids.

Uses of Reticulated Foam

This type of foam has a wide variety of uses. For example, it’s a very popular foam grade for making boat cushions and other cushions used near water.

It can also be used as a filtration material. Filtration applications include fish tanks, face masks, air conditioners, purifiers and more.

It can also be used as an anti-slosh device for fuel tanks and as catalyst supports.

We primarily specialise in supplying reticulated foam for seating. If you’d like to learn more about this we have a dedicated reticulated foam product page.

How Reticulated Polyurethane Foam is Made

The person first credit with discovering the production process for making reticulated polyurethane foam is Robert A. Volz. Volz made this discovery back in 1956 whilst working for a sanitary tissue company.

In order to make this type of foam, a regular closed cell polyurethane foam must first be produced. After this, the faces of the cells need to be removed. This can be achieved via either combustion or chemical degradation.

For example, the foam could be filled with hydrogen and then ignited under controlled conditions. Similarly, a solution of sodium hydroxide could be used to remove the cell windows, leaving only the surrounding mesh.

Buy Reticulated Foam Cut to Size

Here at Foam Direct, you can buy foam cut to size. It’s quick and easy to do. Starting from our homepage, all it takes is 5 simple steps.

First, select a template. We have more than 20 options for you to choose from. There’s even a custom option if you need something different.

After this, you can input your required dimensions in cm, mm or inches. Next, you’ll be asked to choose your foam grade.

Then, you’ll have the option to include dacron and stockinette to your order. After this, all that’s left for you to do is place your order.

We also stock pre-cut, reticulated foam sheets. You’ll find these and more over on our upholstery foam sheets page.

Don’t forget! We offer a next working day delivery service. All orders placed before 11:00 am Monday – Thursday are dispatched for delivery on the next working day.

For any questions related to our products and services, contact us directly. Our team of foam experts will be glad to assist you.