Foamex and Dibond are both popular materials, with many similarities in their characteristics and in their uses. This can make it hard to decide which is better for your particular project, so we take a closer look at each material, to see if there is a way of separating the two in order for them to appropriately fit the task at hand.
Foamex
Foamex- Foamex is a low density polyurethane core, set between 2 recycled paper liners. It is extremely lightweight and flexible, easy to cut to your required size and shape with a cutter knife or sheet cutter.
- This material is rigid, durable, lightweight and flexible.
- Compatible with solvent based adhesives and ink.
- Printer friendly for photos and text, with the option to print on both sides.
- A wide variety of thicknesses are available.
- Dense and smooth solid plastic sheet – there is nothing ‘foam’ about it!
- Popular for making signs due to its lightweight and rigid construction.
- Can be used indoors and outdoors.
- Dibond is made up of two aluminium sheets, with a polyethylene sheet sandwiched in between.
- It can be cut, glued, screwed and bent without the need for special equipment.
- Very lightweight material that is incredibly stiff.
- As Dibond can be folded it is perfect for 2D and 3D applications.
- Great for temporary structures such as at trade fairs and exhibition booths.
- Can be used indoors or outdoors.
- Perfect for printing graphics and text.
- Decorative mirrored versions are available.
- Both Foamex and Dibond are great to print on, with a high-quality finish that is perfect for graphics and text.
- They are lightweight and flexible, strong and perfectly smooth.
- Rigid and secure, the materials have a range of uses that can be placed indoors or outdoors.
- Foamex is available in a wider variety of thicknesses.
- Foamex is more sensitive to heat than Dibond, meaning it may expand and contract.
- Foamex is more cost-effective than Dibond.
- Both materials can be bent and folded, but Dibond is better for 2D and 3D applications as it can also be rolled.
- Even though both materials are great for printing on, Dibond offers a more premium finish.
- Dibond has higher durability, is more resistant to the weather and is rustproof.
For more information on Acrylic, Perspex, MDF, Dibond and Polycarbonate please visit our Guide and Blog sections of the website.
Cut Plastic Sheeting are based on the south Coast in Ivybridge, Devon UK. We have a full manufacturing facility which enables us to offer Cut To Size Acrylic as well as Cut To Size MDF. Shop our full range of products, including our Clear Acrylic, coloured acrylic and more recent MDF Wood Sheet ranges.
Our Team are always here to help with any enquiry, please send us an email or for more urgent needs give us a call – Contact Us
