PVC-Hartschaum sheet – cut to size

What are PVC rigid foam sheets?

PVC rigid foam sheets are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a widely used plastic. They are foamed in a special manufacturing process, which creates a firm yet lightweight structure.

These sheets are characterised by their closed-cell structure, which gives them their high stability and resistance. They are also more environmentally friendly than is often assumed, as many variants are recyclable.

Manufacture of PVC rigid foam sheets

Manufacture takes place through a foaming process in which the PVC material is heated under pressure. During expansion, tiny gas bubbles form, giving the material its characteristic cell structure.

This process ensures a uniform density and a smooth surface quality. The sheets can be produced in a wide variety of colours, thicknesses and surface finishes to meet different requirements.

In addition, the precise manufacturing allows for high dimensional accuracy, which is particularly advantageous for individual projects.

Additional options such as UV-stabilised variants or fire-tested versions considerably extend the possible applications of PVC rigid foam sheets. This makes them particularly interesting for outdoor applications and safety-critical areas.

PVC rigid foam sheets cut to size

PVC white foamed is also called foam board or Foamplatte-Forex®. This particularly lightweight material consists of a rigid foam core laminated on both sides with quality paper. Foamed PVC is a perfect material for presentations, displays and other point of sale materials.

It is easy to print on, print and cut. This  foamed PVC sheet is white in colour and 1-50 mm thick. The PVC sheet is provided with a protective film on one side.

PVC rigid foam sheets for digital UV direct printing, exhibition stand construction, signage ( high degree of whiteness, flame-retardant, very good value for money )

The cut-to-size sheets and rigid foam sheets are around 50% lighter than conventional PVC sheets. technischekunststoffe24.de offers you a large selection of cut-to-size PVC sheets and rigid foam sheets. You can find more on this under plastic sheets cut to size.

What makes PVC rigid foam cut-to-size sheets convincing

Optimal properties of the rigid foam sheets are that they can be easily processed into a cut sheet. They also have high resistance, are durable, absorb only minimal moisture and have high UV stability. We offer you a large range of rigid foam sheets as well as individual cut pieces of the most varied kind.

Are PVC rigid foam sheets weather-resistant?

PVC rigid foam sheets are suitable for many outdoor applications. The material absorbs hardly any moisture, is corrosion-resistant and retains its dimensional stability even under changing weather conditions. As a result, PVC rigid foam sheets are frequently used for signs, cladding, advertising boards, displays and other outdoor constructions.

Rain, splashing water and high humidity also impair the material properties only slightly. Due to the low weight and good resistance, PVC rigid foam sheets can be used permanently outdoors. With long-term direct sunlight, changes to the surface or colour deviations may occur depending on the conditions of use. For particularly high UV exposure, the requirements of the respective project should be taken into account.

Typical outdoor applications are façade cladding, advertising signs, exhibition and display elements, privacy screen solutions and technical covers. Thanks to the easy processing and high weather resistance, PVC rigid foam sheets are among the most versatile plastic sheets for indoor and outdoor applications.

Processing options for cut-to-size PVC rigid foam (Forex):

The cut-to-size sheets and rigid foam sheets are easy to process and further fabricate:

• sawing, milling
• gluing, screwing, rail system
• sanding, engraving
• printing, sticking, lacquering, painting
• thermoforming
• drilling

Processing of PVC rigid foam sheets

Cut to size

PVC rigid foam sheets can be cut precisely to the desired dimensions. Tools such as circular saws, cutters or laser devices are used for this. The smooth cut edges allow for a precisely fitting further processing. CNC milling is also a common method for realising complex shapes and designs.

Printing and surface processing

The smooth surface of the sheets is eminently suitable for direct printing processes such as screen printing or digital printing. They can also be lacquered, stuck or coated to realise individual designs. Special films are also possible to make the surface even more resistant.

Gluing and assembly

Special PVC adhesives or double-sided adhesive tapes can be used for assembly. Screws or rivets provide additional stability, particularly for large-area applications. Thanks to their easy handling, PVC rigid foam sheets are also suitable for temporary constructions.

Thermal deformation

PVC rigid foam sheets can be deformed by heating, which makes them ideal for projects with complex geometries. However, this requires precise work and an even temperature distribution.

Tips for using the PVC rigid foam sheet:

The cut-to-size PVC sheets can only be used on one side and are provided with a protective film. The material is very sensitive and can easily be dented. Keep PVC rigid foam sheets away from moisture and direct sunlight until assembly to avoid deformation and corrosion caused by heat build-up and condensation!

Advantages of PVC rigid foam sheets

The use of PVC rigid foam sheets brings numerous advantages:

1. Durability: They retain their shape and colour even with long-term outdoor use.
2. Cost efficiency: The low weight reduces transport costs, and the easy processing saves working time.
3. Design freedom: With various thicknesses, colours and surface options, they offer flexibility for the most diverse projects.
4. Recyclability: Many PVC rigid foam sheets are recyclable and therefore an environmentally friendly choice.
5. Thermal and acoustic insulation: Their structure provides an insulating effect that is valued in technical and architectural applications.
6. Versatility: Whether in advertising, construction or art – the possible applications are almost unlimited.

PVC rigid foam or PVC rigid sheets?

PVC rigid foam sheets and PVC rigid sheets are based on the same material, but differ significantly in structure, weight and area of application. Which variant is better suited depends on the requirements of the respective application.

PVC rigid foam sheets have a foamed core structure and are therefore significantly lighter than PVC rigid sheets. They are preferably used in signage, exhibition stand construction, for signs, displays or cladding. The low weight facilitates processing and assembly, while the smooth surface offers optimal conditions for prints and films.

PVC rigid sheets are of compact construction and have higher strength and rigidity. They are frequently used in mechanical engineering, plant construction, tank construction and in technical applications where high mechanical loads can occur. In addition, PVC rigid sheets offer very good chemical resistance and can be processed in many ways.

Property	PVC rigid foam sheets	PVC rigid sheets
Weight	Very light	Higher
Rigidity	Good	Very high
Printability	Very good	Good
Signage	Very well suited	Well suited
Mechanical engineering	Conditionally suited	Very well suited
Chemical resistance	Good	Very good
Processing	Easy	Easy
Price	Often cheaper	Higher depending on material

For signs, displays and advertising applications, PVC rigid foam sheets are usually the first choice. For technical components, machine cladding or chemically exposed environments, PVC rigid sheets often offer the better material properties.

Care of PVC rigid foam sheets

PVC rigid foam sheets are easy to care for. They can be cleaned with a soft cloth and warm water. Mild cleaning agents are suitable for more stubborn soiling. However, do not use aggressive solvents or abrasive cleaning materials, as these could damage the surface. With the right care, the material remains visually appealing and functional for years.

Properties

• PVC rigid foam sheets are characterised by numerous properties that make them suitable for various applications:
• Lightweight: Significantly lighter than solid plastic sheets and therefore easy to transport.
• High rigidity: Despite their low weight, they offer excellent strength and stability.
• Weather-resistant: They are resistant to moisture and UV rays, which makes them ideal for outdoor use.
• Easy processing: The sheets can be cut, milled, drilled and even printed.
• Chemical-resistant: They withstand many chemicals and therefore also offer advantages in industrial applications.
• Sound-insulating: Their cell structure reduces sound, which makes them interesting for special technical applications.
• Thermal insulation: They offer moderate thermal insulation and are therefore also suitable for technical applications.
• Comparison with alternatives
• Compared with other materials such as MDF or chipboard, PVC rigid foam sheets have the advantage that they are waterproof and do not swell. Compared with aluminium composite sheets, they are lighter, while still offering good stability.

Applications

Thanks to their versatile properties, PVC rigid foam sheets are used in numerous industries. The most common areas of application include:

Advertising and signage

PVC rigid foam sheets are a popular material for the production of signs and displays. They can be easily printed and are weather-resistant, which makes them ideal for outdoor use. Typical applications include company logos, exhibition displays and signs. The sheets are also eminently suitable for creative advertising projects such as 3D elements or illuminated advertising boards.

Construction and interior fitting

In construction, PVC rigid foam sheets are often used as cladding material. Their durability and moisture resistance make them ideal for wall cladding, ceiling panels or partition walls. They are also an excellent material for interior fitting, as they can be easily adapted to individual designs. Thanks to their insulating properties, they can also be used as insulation material.

Model making and creative projects

DIY enthusiasts and artists value PVC rigid foam sheets because of their ease of processing. They can be easily cut, painted and shaped, which makes them a popular material for model making, DIY projects and art installations. They are also used in furniture making, particularly for lightweight and portable designs.

Industry and technology

In industry, PVC rigid foam sheets are frequently used as carrier material or protective cladding. Their chemical resistance and weather resistance make them ideal for laboratory equipment, machine cladding and technical applications where durability and load-bearing capacity are required. They are also an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional materials in packaging technology.

Would you like to present your company attractively and are not yet sure how? PVC rigid foam sheets and cut pieces are eminently suitable for this.

• for digital UV direct printing
• signage
• advertising display
• exhibition stand construction
• exhibitions
• decoration

Incidentally, PVC rigid foam sheets and cut pieces are also eminently suitable as signs. With us, you can have a variety of rigid foam sheets and cut pieces made to your requirements.

PVC rigid foam sheets for signage

PVC rigid foam sheets are among the most frequently used materials in signage. The low weight, high rigidity and smooth surface offer ideal conditions for signs, displays and presentation systems. At the same time, the sheets are easy to process, print, mill, saw or glue.

Typical applications are advertising signs, company signs, exhibition stand construction elements, sales displays, POS stands, information boards and presentation surfaces. Thanks to the uniform surface, PVC rigid foam sheets are eminently suitable for direct printing as well as for applying films.

A further advantage lies in the good dimensional stability. Even with larger formats, the sheets remain dimensionally stable and can be mounted without complication. Due to their weather resistance, PVC rigid foam sheets are used both indoors and for many outdoor applications.

Anyone looking for lightweight, economical and versatile plastic sheets for signage will find in PVC rigid foam sheets a proven solution for signs, displays and individual advertising installations.

FAQ on PVC rigid foam sheets

Are PVC rigid foam sheets recyclable?

Yes, many variants of PVC rigid foam sheets are recyclable. Make sure that the sheets are disposed of correctly or taken to recycling stations in order to minimise the environmental impact.

Which thicknesses are available for PVC rigid foam sheets?

PVC rigid foam sheets are available in thicknesses from 1 mm to 30 mm. The choice of thickness depends on the specific purpose, e.g. thinner sheets for advertising signs and thicker sheets for structural applications.

How do you process PVC rigid foam sheets?

The sheets can be easily cut, milled, drilled and printed. Use sharp tools such as circular saws or milling cutters to achieve clean edges.

Are PVC rigid foam sheets weather-resistant?

Yes, they are UV-resistant and resistant to moisture, which makes them ideal for outdoor use.

Which adhesives are suitable for PVC rigid foam sheets?

Special PVC adhesives or double-sided adhesive tapes are recommended for PVC rigid foam sheets. For large-area bonding, solvent-based adhesives are particularly effective.

Technical data

Choose your desired cut: Width: min. 20mm x 20mm Length: max. 1220 mm x 3050 mm Sheet thickness from 3-30 mm

Property	Details
Density	0.5 to 0.7 g/cm³
Thickness	1 mm to 30 mm
Surface colour	White, Black, Coloured
Temperature range	-20 °C to +60 °C
Moisture absorption	Very low
UV resistance	High
Chemical resistance	Against many substances
Fire protection	Available as an option (B1)

Supplementary technical details

• Flexural strength: High load-bearing capacity at low thickness.
• Surface hardness: Resistant to scratches and light impacts.