What Is EVA Foam and How Is It Manufactured?
Ethylene-vinyl acetate, or EVA, foam is made from blended copolymers. It is produced under pressure by the copolymerization of ethylene and vinyl, using free radical catalysts.
Several different types of EVA are created, where the vinyl acetate amount ranges from between 5 percent to 50 percent. Depending on the mixture and the way of manufacturing, EVA can be made a number of shapes and molds. Foam injection molding means that the hot, liquid foam mixture of ethylene, vinyl and acetate is sprayed into a mold. It is allowed to slightly cool to give the foam time to expand, and then the mold is popped open. Once the mold is popped open, the new piece of EVA material is made, and simply needs to cool off.
Some of the things that EVA makes:
- Non-toxic and anti-flammable foam mats
- EVA soles for shoes in varying thicknesses
- EVA lining and foam for various uses
- EVA foam sheets
EVA foam can be used for a number of things, one of the most commonly recognized being props for movies and videos. In movies where real weapons and armor are not functional, EVA creates quite a realistic looking copy prop that is hardy and worth the price. The EVA soles can come in different thicknesses and sizes for all feet. The EVA foam mats can be used for activities like yoga or kindergarten classes.
