EPS Raw Material VS EPP Raw Material
EPS (expanded polystyrene) and EPP (expanded polypropylene). Both materials are commonly used in a variety of applications due to their lightweight, insulating, and shock-absorbing properties. Both can be processed by EPS machines and EPP machines. But they have the almost same processing technology, welcome to check with our client cases for learning.
EPS is a rigid, closed-cell foam plastic that is made by expanding polystyrene beads with steam and pressure. Then, the EPS products are made by 98% air and 2% EPS beads. It is commonly used for packaging, insulation, and construction materials such as insulation boards, precast concrete forms, and lightweight fill materials. EPS is also commonly used in disposable food containers, cups, and plates.
EPP, on the other hand, is a durable, flexible, and lightweight foam plastic that is made by expanding polypropylene beads with steam and pressure. It is commonly used for automotive parts, protective packaging, sports equipment, and toys. EPP is valued for its ability to absorb impacts without breaking, making it an ideal material for products that need to withstand rough handling.
The production process for EPP is slightly different from EPS as well. The raw EPP material is already pre-expanded when purchased, but it still needs to undergo a compression process before it is molded into the desired shape. The compression process involves applying pressure to the EPP beads to ensure they are compact and uniform in density.
Both EPS and EPP are 100% recyclable, and their lightweight and insulating properties make them environmentally friendly choices for many applications.
What's difference between both of them?
There are several differences between EPS and EPP, despite their similar production processes and general properties as expanded foam plastics:
Material properties: EPS is a rigid foam with a closed-cell structure, while EPP is a more flexible foam with a partially open-cell structure. EPP is also more resilient and able to endure repeated impacts without breaking, but EPS is more brittle and prone to cracking or breaking under stress.
Density: EPP typically has a higher density than EPS, which means it is heavier in weight. EPP also has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than EPS, making it more durable and able to support greater loads.
Applications: Both EPS and EPP are used for insulation, packaging, and other industrial applications, but EPP is also commonly used for automotive parts, protective gear, and sports equipment. EPS is more commonly used for building insulation, cold chain transportation and disposable food containers.
Eco-friendly: Both EPS and EPP are recyclable, but they require different recycling processes due to their different material properties. EPS is typically recycled through a mechanical process, while EPP is recycled through a chemical process.
Cost: EPP would cost higher than EPS material, not only the purchased prices, but also the freight during the international trading. Because of EPP material can be loaded less due to pre-expanded feature and higher volume.
In summary, EPS and EPP have different material properties, densities, and applications, which make them suitable for different uses. EPP is generally more durable and lightweight, while EPS is more rigid and commonly used for insulation and disposable products.