Foam, Cushioning, and Void Fill Materials
Protecting sensitive military equipment from shock, vibration, and impact is critical to mission success. Military-grade packaging materials go beyond simple foam, encompassing a wide range of cushioning and void-fill solutions engineered to maintain their protective properties under the most demanding conditions, from battlefield transport to long-term storage in varied climates.
Foam
- Polyurethane (PU) Foam: Governed by MIL-PRF-26514, this custom-fit foam is used to create precise inserts that cradle delicate and irregularly shaped items like weapon systems, communication gear, and calibration instruments.
- Polyethylene (PE) Foam: Defined by A-A-59136, this closed-cell foam provides superior shock absorption and moisture resistance, making it ideal for protecting sensitive electronics and optical systems.
Cellulose & Bound Fiber
- Molded Cellulose (Pulp): This material is a sustainable and cost-effective solution for creating protective blocking, bracing, and custom end caps. It is used to securely position items within a larger container, and its specifications are often covered under performance standards like ASTM-D6251.
- Uncompressed Bound Fiber: Often used as padding, this fibrous material fills voids and provides a resilient cushioning layer, particularly in wooden crates and shipping containers. Its use is frequently specified under MIL-C-104 (Crate, Wood, Unlined) for dunnage and internal packing.
Plastic & Nylon
- Bubble Wrap: A common cushioning material, bubble wrap is used for surface protection and light cushioning. Its use in military packaging is often governed by its performance properties as defined in general cushioning standards or A-A-59136.
- Nylon Strapping: Though not a cushioning material itself, nylon webbing and strapping is a critical component for securing items. Specifications like MIL-W-4088 ensure the strapping has the required tensile strength to hold items firmly in place and prevent movement that could lead to damage.