Foam core is a display and printing material that consists of a dense foam core sandwiched between two sheets of matte paper. The foam core is typically made from polystyrene, one of the world’s most common types of plastic that is also used to make Styrofoam. Because the polystyrene core of foam board is 95-98% air, foam core boards are incredibly lightweight.

There is no difference between foam core and foam board; they both refer to a printing and display board made from a foam core between two sheets of paper. You may also see this material referred to as foamcore, foamboard or paper-face foam depending on the manufacturer and region.

Foam core board has many useful traits that make it one of the most versatile materials for signs and displays. Here are a few of the material’s notable characteristics:

• A heavy duty poster board – In comparison to other types of poster board, which are typically malleable and have no solid core, foam core is very sturdy. Foam core is rigid, lies flat on its own, stays straight when propped up or hung, and resists bending and curling. This is the material you should use if you need a hard poster board.
• Super lightweight – While foam boards may be slightly thicker than other types of poster board, the foam core contributes to virtually no difference in its weight. Foam core boards are incredibly light which means they can easily be transported, displayed and stored.
• Easy to print and cut – Foam core boards make for a great material for printing and cutting. Photos and designs can be printed directly onto foam core, and the boards can be neatly trimmed to just about any shape.
• Low cost – Foam core boards are some of the least expensive printing and display materials on the market. Their low cost makes foam boards ideal for 

Foam core boards are not meant for permanent outdoor display, as they will quickly degrade when exposed to moisture or prolonged sunlight. However, if the weather is nice and dry, temporarily displaying your foam core boards outside won’t do them any harm. Just make sure to fasten them to something heavy so the wind doesn’t blow them away! And be sure to take the foam core boards in for the night – even a slight morning dew could damage the paper faces of the boards.

Because it is so lightweight, rigid, and inexpensive, foam board is an incredibly versatile material. Here are some of the most common purposes for which our clients order foam core boards:

Companies & Offices

• Meetings and reports
• Employee celebrations
• Displays of the company mission and goals
• Lobby décor

Shops & Businesses

• Aisle markers
• To advertise sales
• Menu boards
• Notices

Education & Community

• Science fair and research projects
• Photo galleries
• Event advertisements
• Temporary way finding solutions

Trade Shows & Conventions

• Branded imagery
• Dynamic sets and backdrops
• Overhead hangings
• Portable signage

Sometimes foam core is used on a much smaller scale the case of architecture or prototyping projects. The ability to cut the foam core along with its durability makes it an ideal material for these types of small scale project.

Cutting foam core is a straight-forward process since the material is rigid but not dense. Foam board can be cut to any shape or size using a knife, saw, or router. This makes it an excellent option for life-sized standee cutouts. You can use more precise tools to get more intricate cuts or for smaller foam core projects like architectural models.
Foam core should always be cut with caution and only with proper supplies. The best way to cut foam core only requires a few tools, and can for the most part be done without professionals.

Yes, you can cut form board easily with a router if you’re using the right kind of knife tool.  An oscillating knife will deliver clean-cut edges without fraying for all of our foam board products. A tangential knife can also do the job if the foam board is heavier and thicker which requires a more robust cutting tool.

You may screen print or use a digital flatbed printer to print directly to AVID Foam Board. AVID has worked with major Digital Flatbed Printer Manufacturers to test our foam board/ machine compatibility. For Solvent-Based Inks, we recommend White Foam Board and For UV Curable Inks, we recommend all AVID Foam Boards.

If you would like a sample of the AVID Foam Board product line, or just a particular type, please send us an inquiry on the Contact Us page of our website, or contact our Customer Service Department at +982166922846

There are several tips below that will help keep your AVID Foam Board products in peak condition.

• Store Foam Boards flat, not leaning on edge or standing vertically.
• Keep boards in the original shipping box, with the lid closed or store wrapped and sealed on a pallet until delivered to the end user.
• Store away from loading docks and exterior doors.
• Ideally, store in a controlled environment at 68°F – 75°F (20°C – 24°C) and at a relative humidity between 45-50% to prevent excessive expansion and contraction of the board’s paper fibers.
• Allow approximately 24 hours to acclimate to a new workplace.
• Pre-cut foam board before direct printing.
• Clean the work area and cover the materials to avoid dust and static electricity.