CNC Machine for Foam: PJ Bowers’ In-House Precision

If you’re evaluating a cnc machine for foam parts, start with process fit. PJ Bowers combines CAD, rapid prototyping, and multiple CNC methods—routing, knife cutting, waterjet, and wire profiling—so you move from concept to clean, repeatable components efficiently.

Why CNC for foam?

Foam behaves differently from metals or timber; consequently, you choose the process to match geometry, tolerance, finish, and volume. With the right setup, you improve yield, reduce rework, and keep edges crisp—especially on multi-depth pockets, radii, and long profiles. See our capability overview.

CNC methods we run in-house

CNC Routing

CNC routing removes material precisely for trays, pockets, chamfers, and bevels. It excels on case inserts and multi-layer assemblies where accurate depths matter.

CNC Knife Cutting

Our high-speed CNC knife produces fast, accurate cuts with minimal kerf—ideal for silhouettes that don’t require pocketing.

CNC Waterjet Cutting

When you need complex 2D shapes without heat-affected edges, we use CNC waterjet. It’s excellent for intricate gaskets, logos, and detailed panels.

CNC Wire Profile Cutting

For continuous profiles—think boat fenders or long bumpers—CNC wire cutting delivers consistent sections over extended lengths.

Splitting & Skiving

We split to thickness with CNC control. Tight tolerances help you dial in weight, buoyancy, and stackups without over-machining.

Laser Cutting & Etching

Finally, our laser cutting and etching add part IDs, logos, and shadow labels—handy for tool control and kitting.

Design-to-delivery workflow

First, our engineers create CAD and toolpaths. Next, we prototype so you can test fit, handling, and protection. Then we scale to short- or long-run manufacturing with ERP-tracked quality, kitting, and distribution as required. Full service list.

Foam materials we machine

• Neolon® XPE for buoyancy, insulation, and durable protection.
• Neofoam® PE for structural packaging and firm pocket walls.
• Neofoam® EVA when you want elasticity and rebound.
• Ethafoam® for inert, non-abrasive archival supports.
• Zotefoams Plastazote® / Evazote® for consistent, technical performance.

Applications we deliver

• Tool control: custom shadow-board inserts with laser-etched IDs and variable pockets.
• Protective packaging: engineered case inserts for instruments and electronics.
• Marine & transport: shaped buoyancy, fenders, and profiles for harsh environments.
• Construction: precision strips, joint fillers, and seals that install cleanly.
• Medical & archival: cut supports and mounts where purity and surface finish matter.

How to spec your CNC foam job

1. Share the CAD: STEP/IGES/DXF plus a drawing with depths and radii.
2. Pick the material: match foam type and density to environment and load.
3. Call tolerances early: specify thickness, pocket depth, kerf, and edge quality.
4. Plan finishing: add laser marks, hard tops/backs, or lamination as needed.
5. Decide volumes: we prototype rapidly, then scale to production.

Ready to cut?

Talk with our engineers about the right cnc machine process for your foam part. Start with Custom Foam Inserts or Our Services, or request a quote. Prefer to buy sheets online? Visit FoamProducts.com.au.

FAQs

Which cnc machine should I use for foam pockets?

Use CNC routing for variable-depth pockets and bevels. Choose CNC knife or waterjet for fast 2D profiles.

Can you handle short runs and scale later?

Yes. We prototype quickly and then scale to short- or long-run manufacturing with ERP-tracked quality and logistics.

Do you laser-mark tool silhouettes?

Absolutely. We can laser etch part numbers, artwork, and pocket labels for visual tool control.