Choosing the right foam for your Golf simulator impact protection panels.

The popularity of foam impact protection for indoor golf simulators is growing in part due to their lower cost, attractive appearance and ease with which they can be installed.

However when shopping for foam impact protection panels it is important to take into consideration the type of foam that is used to make the panels. Whilst foam may look similar on the surface, the inherent characteristics can be vastly different, compromising on the performance and durability of your panels.  Cheap panels made from foam not designed for the job could end up costing you more in the long run.

In this article we compare our Ultraflex^TM technical foam with the standard foam available in the UK.

Density

Density is a fundamental parameter that significantly affects the performance of foam in impact panels. Standard UK Foam is manufactured at a density of 25 kg/m³, while Ultraflex^TM foam boasts of a higher density of 29 kg/m³.

Higher foam density, as seen in Ultraflex^TM foam, provides several advantages when used in impact protection panels. It offers increased mass per unit volume, enabling the foam to better absorb and dissipate energy from impacts. This results in superior impact resistance, as Ultraflex^TM foam can effectively withstand and distribute forces, reducing the risk of damage to the panel and the structure it protects.

Tensile Strength

Tensile strength is a crucial mechanical property that assesses a foam's ability to resist deformation when subjected to tension. For Standard UK foam, the nominal tensile strength is 50 kPa, while Ultraflex^TM foam boasts an impressive 95 kPa in this category.

Why Tensile Strength Matters

Tensile strength is particularly relevant in impact scenarios. The significantly higher tensile strength of Ultraflex^TM foam means that it can endure greater forces without rupturing or tearing. This property ensures that impact panels made with Ultraflex^TM foam maintain their structural integrity and effectiveness even after repeated impacts. This is particularly valuable in applications where long-term durability and resilience are essential.

Elongation at Break

Elongation at break represents a foam's ductility or stretchability before failure. Both Standard UK foam and Ultraflex^TM foam share high elongation values, with Ultraflex^TM foam boasting an elongation at break of 95%, slightly surpassing the 90% value of Standard UK Foam.

Why Elongation at Break Matters

Elongation at break is crucial for impact panels as it enables the foam to deform and stretch to absorb the force of an impact without breaking. In this regard, both foams offer excellent deformation capabilities. However, Ultraflex foam's slightly higher elongation value provides an advantage in applications where additional flexibility is needed.

Ultraflex^TM foam clearly emerges as the superior choice when compared to Standard UK Foam. Its higher density and tensile strength equip it to effectively absorb and distribute impact forces, ensuring prolonged panel performance. While both foams exhibit excellent elongation at break characteristics, Ultraflex^TM foam's overall mechanical properties make it the preferred option for applications where impact protection is a critical consideration

The saying you get what you pay for, couldn’t be more apt when it comes to selecting the right impact protection panels. Ultraflex^TM impact protection panels are designed from a technical foam that is far superior than the standard foam typically used by furniture converters and sold as impact panels.