Foam PVC (Maxi-T)
A lightweight, rigid, closed cell PVC sheet with a hardened outer surface, often substituted for timber in signage, shelving and panelling.
About Foam PVC
Foam PVC sheets have a hardened outer surface that lends itself to both interior and exterior situations. Often substituted for timber, foam PVC is usually chosen for signage, lettering, shelving, caravan and boat panels and more.
The closed cell foam structure makes it remarkably light for its rigidity and means it absorbs no moisture at all, so it will not swell, warp or delaminate. The smooth matt surface takes digital printing, screen printing, vinyl and paint exceptionally well, which is why it is one of the most widely used sign materials in Australia. It is also self extinguishing. We stock 1 mm to 20 mm, with 3, 5 and 10 mm the most popular for signage.
We cut foam PVC to size on the CNC router and the laser, and bend, drill and route it to your drawings. Tell us the thickness and dimensions and we will quote it.
Key Properties
- Material
- Expanded closed cell rigid PVC foam
- Also known as
- Maxi-T, Foamex, Sintra
- Common thicknesses
- 1 mm to 20 mm, with 3, 5 and 10 mm most popular
- Sheet sizes
- 2440 x 1220 mm and 3050 x 1560 mm
- Colours
- White as standard, black and selected colours available
What makes Foam PVC useful
Much lighter than solid PVC, acrylic or ACP of the same thickness
Closed cell structure absorbs zero moisture, so it is completely waterproof
Cuts, routes, drills, screws, nails and glues with standard tools
Smooth matt surface takes printing, painting and vinyl well
Self extinguishing, meeting fire requirements for many interior applications
Common uses for Foam PVC
Indoor and outdoor signage and lettering
Point of sale displays and exhibition panels
Waterproof wall linings for bathrooms and laundries
Splashbacks and shower surrounds
Shopfitting panels and shelving
Caravan and boat panels
The honest picture
Every material has trade offs. Here is where Foam PVC shines and where it falls short.
Pros
Light enough to reduce fixing hardware, handling and freight costs
Fully waterproof, so it will not swell, warp or delaminate
One of the easiest sign substrates to cut and fabricate
Clean white surface ready for print, paint or vinyl
Limitations
Softer than solid sheet, so it can dent if not protected
Not as rigid or weather durable as ACP for large outdoor signs
For long term outdoor exposure the graphics or paint finish need to be UV stable
Foam PVC versus the alternatives
Corflute
Foam PVC is more rigid, has a smoother surface and is more durable for permanent signage. Corflute is cheaper and better suited to temporary signs.
Acrylic
Foam PVC is lighter and easier to work with, while acrylic offers optical clarity and a more premium finish for illuminated signs and displays.
Aluminium composite panel
ACP is more rigid and weather resistant for large outdoor signs, while foam PVC is lighter, cheaper and easier to cut for smaller applications.
How we work with Foam PVC
The fabrication methods best suited to Foam PVC, and what we do with them in our Moonah workshop.
Foam PVC FAQs
Need Foam PVC for Your Project?
Talk to our team about how we can cut, fabricate or repair Foam PVC for you. Free quotes, expert advice and Australia wide delivery from our Moonah workshop.