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Frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Foam Properties

Shipping and Supply

Questions about Ordering

Foam Properties

  • Can the foam be bonded?
    Yes, our LAST-A-FOAM® products can be bonded. Please refer to pages 9-11 of our “Guide to Tooling Applications, Bonding, Filling and Sealing” for additional information.
  • Can the foam be bonded to metals?
    Yes, LAST-A-FOAM® can be bonded to metals. We recommend a two-part epoxy. Be mindful of the thermal expansion characteristics of the foam, the metal, and the adhesive used. Additional information on the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of LAST-A-FOAM® products is found on page 8 of our “Guide to Tooling Applications, Bonding, Filling and Sealing.”
  • What adhesive does GP recommend?
    Adhesives that have been used successfully by our customers are listed on pages 10-11 of our “Guide to Tooling Applications, Bonding, Filling and Sealing.”
  • Which epoxy/adhesive works best with metals such as Aluminum?
    Yes, LAST-A-FOAM® can be bonded to metals. We recommend a two-part epoxy. Be mindful of the thermal expansion characteristics of the foam, the metal, and the adhesive used. Additional information on the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of LAST-A-FOAM® products is found on page 8 of our “Guide to Tooling Applications, Bonding, Filling and Sealing.”
  • What can be used to cut the foam?
    LAST-A-FOAM® with a density of 10 pcf or less can be cut and carved with common woodworking tools. Foams with a density greater than 10 pcf may require power tools. All of our products may be CNC milled. Recommendations for speeds and feeds are located on page 2 of our “Guide to Tooling Applications, Bonding, Filling and Sealing.”
  • Does it come in colors?
    We manufacture our FR-4500 series in several colors, including natural, tan, taupe and gray. Our flexible foams are white, and the majority of our rigid foams are yellow. It is important to note that the exterior of these foams will darken in color with exposure to UV lighting. We recommend that foams be painted with an opaque coating if appearance is a concern.
  • Can the foam be painted?
    Yes, the foam can be painted. Please refer to pages 11-13 of the "Guide to Tooling Applications, Bonding, Filling and Sealing" for additional information on sealing, filling voids and painting LAST-A-FOAM® products.
  • What type of paint does GP recommend?
    Recommended coatings include automotive or woodworking grades. For outdoor use, acrylic-latex paint or enamel works well. Our foams can also be plated using an electroless plating process to achieve a plated-metal surface.
  • What are the standard sheet sizes?
    Depending on the density of the foam, our standard sheet sizes are 48” x 96” and 18” x 100.” Our FR-4500 series is offered in various widths and lengths. For all of our products, the thickness is cut to size.
  • What density is good for hand sculpting?
    LAST-A-FOAM® with a density of 10 pcf or less can easily be cut and carved with hand tools.
  • What temperatures can the foams be used at?
    Refer to pages 7-8 of our “Guide to Tooling Applications, Bonding, Filling and Sealing” brochure for thermal properties of our foams. Note that these numbers are approximate, and we recommend that you test the product for your particular application.
  • Is your product made in the US?
    LAST-A-FOAM® products are made in the U.S.A, manufactured in Tacoma, WA.
  • What specifications does your material meet?
    Our aerospace-grade foam are certified to many aerospace and military specifications such as BMS 8-133, FAR 25.853, and MIL-P-26541. Please call for more information about our certifications and qualifications.

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Shipping and Supply

  • Do we stock sheets?
    While General Plastics does not stock sheets, we suggest that you contact any of our distributors located in the U.S., Canada and Europe for immediate shipment.
  • Is it closed cell?
    All of our rigid foams are closed-cell foams.
  • Where can our foam be purchased?
    Please reference the distributor contact list.
  • Where are you located?
    General Plastics is located in Tacoma, WA.
  • Where do we ship?
    We ship worldwide.
  • Do you have local distribution?
    We have distributors which cover many of the 50 states. We also have distributors located in Canada as well as Europe.
  • Can you provide delivered, duty paid quotes?
    While we are happy to quote freight, we do not include duty and taxes.
  • If so, Can you arrange the transportation?
    General Plastics can arrange for transportation of your order. Please note that we add a handling charge.
  • What is the lead time for delivery?
    Please contact your sales representative for additional information.
  • Can you ship via air freight?
    Yes
  • What are your standard sizes, prices and weights?
    Please contact your sales representative for additional information and feel free to inquire about custom size availability.

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Questions about Ordering

  • Do you offer volume discounts?
    We offer volume discounts.
  • Can you cut to size?
    We can cut to size.
  • If so, what is the cost?
    Please contact your sales representative for additional information.
  • Can you provide product samples?
    Absolutely! For a complimentary sample kit, please contact your nearest distributor or General Plastics for assistance.
  • If so, what size?
    Our complimentary sample sizes are 1.5” x 2.0” x 4.5.” We offer larger pieces that measure approximately 0.75” x 5” x 8.”

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