Although the same material they manufactured differently; EPS beads are molded or cut into various sizes and shapes while XPS is extruded sheets. But these two products could not be more different. The main difference between these two materials lies in their density. FMI-EPS | Learn the difference between Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) & Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) See why EPS holds a better R-Value compared to XPS Generally, polystyrene is a synthetic aromatic polymer made from the monomer styrene, which is derived from benzene and ethylene, both petroleum products.Polystyrene can be solid or foamed. If it’s only handled a little, expanded polystyrene will largely do the trick. if ( ! Expanded Polystyrene Insulation, more commonly referred to as EPS, is a closed cell insulation that has been around since the 1950’s. Below you will see a detailed difference between polyurethane, and expanded polystyrene. } forms : { Polystyrene is produced from the crude oil refinery product styrene. R- Value EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Vs Polyurethane. Polyurethane is a new product with roughly 35 years of testing. EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) or as many know by The Dow Chemical Company's trademarked name, STYROFOAM, is an extremely lightweight product that is made of expanded polystyrene beads.Originally discovered by Eduard Simon in 1839 in Germany by accident, EPS foam is more than 95% air and only about 5% plastic. For example, it’s equipped with a higher mechanical resistance than EPS. The key difference between polystyrene and polypropylene is that the monomer for polystyrene is styrene, while the monomer for polypropylene is propylene.. Polymers are large molecules, which have the same structural unit repeating over and over. As you can see, these materials may seem very similar, but they have very different qualities. callback: callback This is a relatively simple project that can reap great benefits, but with the wide variety of approaches you can take to insulate your garage, how do you choose the one that is right for you? Those who want to create specific shapes will have more reasons to hesitate between expanded and extruded polystyrene. whether it’s a stage play or a shop display case to be decorated, these panels can act as false partitions and create a specific atmosphere if they’re dressed up. These repeating units are “monomers”. Styrofoam™ is a Dow trade name and is actually blue in color. Because EPS insulation is 98% air, it is chemically inert. window.mc4wp = { Expanded polystyrene maintains its R-Value even after long-term exposure in northern climates. The white foam is commonly used for … This is the key difference between expanded and extruded polystyrene. Polystyrene vs. Polyurethane Garage Door Insulation. Remember that expanded polystyrene is simply lighter, thicker, and less insulating than extruded polystyrene. It’s worth noting that grey EPS shows a better thermal performance (around 10 to 20%), which makes it possible, for example, to reduce the thickness of the polystyrene panel when it’s used as insulation. EPS is a lightweight insulator with a high mechanical resistance. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). Lightweight, they’re very easy to transport. However, grey polystyrene is slightly more expensive. In addition, it’s not necessary to use a highly insulating material as a decorative element; the cheaper option should be more than sufficient. It is a rather poor barrier to oxygen and water vapour and has a relatively low melting point. For example, whether it’s a stage play or a shop display case to be decorated, these panels can act as false partitions and create a specific atmosphere if they’re dressed up. for EPS). (function() { Expanded Polystyrene has been used for approximately 50 years. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The EPP manufacturing process is complex. event : event, Your email address will not be published. Sitemap Privacy Contact Us © 2019 TrueFoam Limited. Polystyrene panels are very useful when it comes to decorating a place. Expanded polystyrene (EPS), is produced from small beads of polystyrene that are fed into a mold. Lightweight, they’re very easy to transport. This was clearly shown in an independent, third-party test. Finally, XPS is often branded by its manufacturer and frequently comes in a number of different colors which have nothing to do with performance. Its lightness makes it easy to handle and install. XPS & EPS Differentiators. The difference between EPP and EPS lies in the manufacturing process where the distinctive resin (polypropylene vs polystyrene) goes through a different process under tightly controlled conditions. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) EPS or expanded polystyrene packaging has historically been a popular choice for protecting products in distribution. It’s also less expensive and more manageable for those who don’t have machines adapted to its cutting. Polyurethane has been developed to alleviate the shortfalls of EPS. These qualities are especially appreciated in Québec. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is the generic industry name for the white rigid material made by expanding polystyrene beads with steam and pressure to bond the beads together to form blocks or to shape molds. window.mc4wp) { Polystyrene is commonly injection molded, vacuum formed, or extruded, while expanded polystyrene is either extruded or molded in a special process. So, you’re thinking about insulating your garage door. It is usually white in appearance and produced from pre-expanded PS beads. Polystyrene. on average for XPS vs. 0.93 lbs. Extruded polystyrene (XPS) was shown to have lost R-Value over time. Expanded Polystyrene – EPS. By: Agence Combustible|Published on: Nov 2, 2017|Categories: News, Uncategorized| 0 comments. The Long Term Thermal Resistance (LTTR) of XPS is therefore less than its "initial" R-factor. Polystyrene copolymers are also produced; these contain one or more other monomers in addition to styrene. { Puffed polystyrene beads are used for several different applications besides the manufacture of EPS … For over 50 years, Insulfoam has been enabling building professionals to construct high-quality building insulation systems at a minimal cost. Unique Properties of EPP. The Difference between Expanded Polystyrene and Extruded Polystyrene. It doesn’t warp much, even over time, and doesn’t lose its thickness. The white stuff most everyone refers to as “Styrofoam” is actually EPS, expanded polystyrene. 2 lb nominal density EPS (expanded polystyrene) has become a very popular alternative to extruded polystyrene for under slab and perimeter foundation wall insulation. Your email address will not be published. On the other hand, if this element needs to have a minimum resistance, then it will be better to opt for extruded polystyrene. Polyisocyanurate’s typical R-value for the same 1″ of material is approximately 6.0. } It is a light-weight and rigid foam, which is produced from solid beads of polystyrene. ); Saint-Jean-Baptiste Montréal (Québec) H1B 5V3. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Insulation is a rigid closed cell plastic foam that is comprised of hollow, spherical beads that are fused together using steam. 5025, boul. It must also be noted that stated R-values of insulations products vary under different conditions and truly credible comparisons must take into consideration the specific brands of foam and specific test conditions. Polystyrene granulate is prefoamed at temperatures above 90°C. The food service industry is a major user of this product, which makes strong, protective, and insulating trays, cups, and containers. These plates are mainly appreciated for interior insulation. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( While XPS is "extruded" into a close approximation of its final form, EPS is manufactured in large blocks that are subsequently cut by hot-wire machines into sheets or cut into virtually any special shape or form by computer-driven systems. The Advantages of Expanded Polystyrene EPS is a … Plaster is often used with expanded polystyrene and combined in the form of a plate. EPS is one of the most commonly used PS foam in everyday life. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) EPS is a kind of rigid, tough and closed foam. See for yourself the performance advantages of Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) vs. EPS is made of 98% trapped air and only 2% plastic, making it an efficient insulator with a small amount of raw material. An extremely cost effective packaging material, it is moisture resistant, a good thermal insulator, (insulation R-value of 4.0 per inch) and it is structurally strong (compression strength of 1000 lbs per square foot.) XPS has good thermal conductivity (generally higher than EPS). Insulfoam is a division of Carlisle Construction Materials, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carlisle Companies (NYSE: CSL), and is the nation's largest manufacturer of block-molded expanded polystyrene (EPS). Most common foam products, like coolers, wine shippers, molded end caps and corners, box packaging and even cups at the office water cooler are actually polystyrene foam. What is Expanded Polystyrene? It’s also highly resistant to different temperatures: heat, cold, and water are usually unsuccessful at overcoming quality extruded polystyrene. EPS is also easily worked in the field during installation. Prototype Manufacturing: Why Opt for an Incubator? Polyurethane Vs. EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Panels in Comparison. It’s therefore preferred in areas with rather extreme weather conditions. Extruded polystyrene has other advantages. Polystyrene panels are primarily used to insulate houses, but they can also be used in the creation of sets for artistic projects, for example. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is the generic industry name for the white rigid material made by expanding polystyrene beads with steam and pressure to bond the beads together to form blocks or to shape molds. Monomers bind with each other via covalent bonds to form a polymer. EPS can be recycled in many ways once it comes to the end of its life. XPS is primarily used in the form of blue panels for insulating floors and roofs (flat). It is commonly understood that XPS offers more initial R-value per inch than EPS but because of its lower cost, EPS offers more R-value per dollar. Expanded polystyrene – Made from expanded foam beads that are molded into shape, expanded polystyrene or EPS is ideal for above-grade applications such as exterior walls and offers an R-value of 3.6 to 4.2 per inch. Cost. Heat or steam is then applied to the mould which expands the polystyrene beads and fuses them together. on average for XPS vs. 0.93 lbs. 5025, boul. EPS (expanded) and XPS (extruded) are both closed-cell rigid insulation made from the same base polystyrene resins and manufactured differently, EPS is beads that are molded or cut into various sizes and shapes while XPS is extruded sheets. Them into usable shapes shortfalls of EPS EPS ( expanded polystyrene ( )! 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