♦ MyCaseBuilder Foam Questions
We offer four main foam types to choose from for your base foam: TopGuard PE, Charcoal Ester, ProCell, and PrintGuard.
Visit our Foam Types page to learn more.
Choosing the proper foam for each application is easy! Visit our Foam Types page to learn everything you wanted to know about foam, including which one is best for you.
When designing your custom foam, you have the option to use PrintBuilder to add text, logos, images, backgrounds, and more. Visit our PrintBuilder page to learn how it works with step-by-step instructions.
Note, there may be be differences in appearance and colors between the onscreen representation of printing and the actual printing on foam.
Visit our Foam Fabrication page to learn everything you want to know about our process.
When you add your design to the cart, you can make your selections of foam type and color.
Important note: if you are printing on your foam, the only option will be PrintGuard.♦ General Foam Questions
TopGuard vs. ProCell — The main difference is the foam build and aesthetic.
- TopGuard PE is two foam materials fused together, whereas ProCell is a uniform material throughout.
- TopGuard comes in 4 different color options for the topper, while ProCell is only available in black.
- ProCell has a more premium look than TopGuard and its cost is about 25% higher than TopGuard PE.
TopGuard & ProCell vs. Charcoal Ester — The main difference is malleability.
- Charcoal Ester is an open-cell spongy foam, whereas TopGuard and ProCell are more firm. TopGuard is recommended for nearly all applications.
- TopGuard and ProCell are closed-cell foams, which means water, oil, or other liquids will fall right off. Charcoal Ester is open-cell foam — water or oil will be soaked into the foam like a sponge.
TopGuard PE is good for most, if not all, applications. It can hold standard midweight to heavier items.
Charcoal Ester is good for items that are delicate or irregularly shaped (e.g., camera equipment, lenses, glass) and need high impact absorbency. We would not recommend for items heavier than 25 pounds.
ProCell is similar to TopGuard in that it can be used for most applications, particularly heavier items (50 pounds and over). Due to its premium look and feel, it is typically used for presentation purposes where items are showcased and not typically taken in and out of the foam multiple times daily. It is not recommended for industrial use as the foam surface may pit or scar from rough handling.
PrintGuard is used for branding, labeling, or other situations where printing is required.
1.7# Polyethylene is a perfect density for most projects. It is dense, but also has some shock absorbing properties.
Our TopGuard, which has 1.7# base and ¼” topper made from more dense 6# polyethylene, is excellent. The very dense 6# topper allows for items to come in and out of the foam for many years without degrading the foam.Open-cell foam (e.g., Charcoal Ester) has a high malleability and can absorb moisture such as water or oil like a sponge.
Closed-cell foam (e.g., TopGuard & ProCell) will keep its shape longer overtime and does not absorb moisture, allowing water, oil, or other liquids to fall right off.It depends based on usage.
TopGuard, ProCell, and PrintGuard will last for many years (potentially 3-10 years). If exposed to air, Charcoal Ester foam will begin to oxidize (change color) in about a year. If you have a waterproof and airtight case, the Charcoal Ester foam will take a very, very long time to oxidize.TopGuard, ProCell, and PrintGuard will rarely 'flake,' or give off particulate, onto items. Ester may begin to 'flake' after many years.
Yes! The best foam material for electronics (e.g., motherboards) is our Pink Anti-Static material. We can provide it in closed-cell PE or open-cell Urethane to offer maximum protection from static discharge. Contact us for quotes on Anti-Static foam.
If you are storing laptops, cell phones, or other electronic devices, Anti-Static foam is not needed.
Yes! Please contact us for more information.
Open-cell foam (e.g., Charcoal Ester) will absorb moisture, while closed-cell foam (e.g., TopGuard PE & ProCell) will not. We sell desiccant canisters if you are storing items for long periods of time.
