| Impahla | U-Eva Foam | I-EPE Foam | Isiponji Foam (I-pu) |
|---|
| Ngaphezulu | -Bushelezi & fine | Rougher | -Potozelayo, porous |
| Density range (kg / m³) | 30–300 | 15–50 | 10–60 |
| Water absorption | None | Very low | High |
| Elasticity | High | Okuphakathi | Very high (-potozelayo) |
| Ukuqina | -Hle kakhulu | Good | Fair |
| Common uses | Imvelo, ukuwowapha, amathoyizi | Ingcuqulu, ukuvikela | Ifenisha, ukuhlanza |
1. U-Eva Foam (I-Ethylene Vinyl Acetate)
Izici:
- Fine and uniform cell structure (indawo ebushelelezi)
- High elasticity and toughness
- Good water resistance and durability
- Can be fa-cut, kwakheka ukushisa, laminated, noma ephrintiwe easily
- Density range: 30–300 kg/m³
- Available in various colors and hardness levels
Ukusetshenziswa okujwayelekile:
- Sports mats, yoga blocks, swimming belts
- Packaging inserts (high-end electronics, amathuluzi)
- Shoe soles, kneeling pads, amathoyizi
Okuncezimulisayo: Ukuqedwa okubushelelezi, -qinile, ngokwezifiso, non-anobuthi
Cons: Slightly more expensive than EPE
2. I-EPE Foam (I-polyethylene enwetshiwe)
Izici:
- Lightweight with larger air bubbles / open cells
- Soft and flexible, excellent ukumuncwa ukushaqeka
- Water and chemical resistant
- Density range: 15–50 kg/m³
Ukusetshenziswa okujwayelekile:
- Ukupakisha (Ama-Electronics, glass, ifenisha)
- Edge protectors, foam tubes, ukwahlukanisa
Okuncezimulisayo: Low cost, good cushioning, reusable
Cons: Rougher surface, less firm than EVA, not suitable for precision cutting
3. Isiponji Foam (Polyurethane or PU Foam)
Izici:
- Isakhiwo seseli evulekile (soft and breathable)
- Very compressible and comfortable
- Absorbs water easily
- Density range: 10–60 kg/m³
Ukusetshenziswa okujwayelekile:
- Seat cushions, ukumuncwa komsindo, cosmetic sponges
- Cleaning products, gaskets, i-padding
Okuncezimulisayo: Very soft, -zibusayo, low cost
Cons: Absorbs water, poor durability outdoors, not suitable for heavy loads