SMARTāX Lightweight Foam Board
SMARTāX is a premium allāplastic foam board engineered for demanding visual communication applications where durability and sustainability are essential. It features UVā and weatherāresistant solid polystyrene (HIPS) cover layers over an expanded polystyrene core, creating a fully moistureāresistant structure that holds up in outdoor environments.
As the first 100% recyclable heavyāduty foam board available in the Americas, SMARTāX sets a new sustainable standard. Its monoāmaterial construction—without adhesives between layers—prevents delamination during outdoor use and enables complete endāofālife recyclability.
Why Choose SMARTāX Over Standard Foam Boards?
- Superior Outdoor Durability: Maintains integrity and color outdoors for up to two years.
- Complete Moisture Resistance: Allāplastic construction eliminates water damage issues.
- Exceptional Sustainability: 100% recyclable monoāmaterial composite.
- Optimal Print Surface: Smooth HIPS face delivers vibrant direct digital prints.
- High StrengthātoāWeight: Rigid support with extremely lightweight properties.
Features & Benefits
- AllāPlastic Construction: UVā and weatherāresistant HIPS surfaces over moistureāproof EPS core.
- 100% Recyclable: Monoāmaterial polystyrene without adhesives ensures full recyclability.
- Extended Outdoor Life: Up to two years of outdoor exposure with minimal color change.
- Moisture Immunity: No warping, bubbling, or delamination in wet conditions.
- Superior UV Stability: Formulated to resist UV degradation for longālasting graphics.
- Excellent Printability: Smooth matte surface optimized for UV, solvent, ecoāsolvent, and latex printing.
- Impressive StrengthātoāWeight: Rigid and flat yet easy to handle and ship.
- Easy Fabrication: Low routing resistance for signs, displays, and dimensional lettering.
- Large Formats: Sheets up to 2 m wide for seamless largeāformat displays.
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS/WEEE and REACH compliant—free of lead, mercury, phthalates, and more.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Material Type | Allāplastic foam board |
| Construction | HIPS surfaces with EPS core |
| Thicknesses | 3/16″ (5 mm), 3/8″ (10 mm), 1/2″ (13 mm), 3/4″ (19 mm) |
| Standard Sheet | 48″×96″ |
| Max Width | Up to 2 m (78.7″) |
| Color | White |
| Protective Film | One side (≤1/2″), both sides (3/4″) |
| Finish | Smooth matte |
| Print Compatibility | UV, solvent, ecoāsolvent, latex |
| Outdoor Durability | Up to 2 years |
| Temp Range | 14°F to 158°F (−10°C to 70°C) |
| Recyclability | 100% recyclable |
| Moisture Resistance | Complete |
| UV Resistance | High |
| Compliance | RoHS/WEEE, REACH |
Applications
- Outdoor Signage: Weatherāresistant exterior signs, wayfinding, and advertising.
- Event Displays: Durable tradeāshow and exhibition structures with easy transport.
- POP/POS Displays: Highāimpact retail units with vibrant graphics.
- LifeāSize Cutouts: Photorealistic fashion displays that hold up under handling.
- SelfāSupporting Structures: Freeāstanding promotional elements with 3D impact.
- Dimensional Lettering: Routed and milled signage for dramatic ināstore branding.
Fabrication & Installation Recommendations
Fabrication Best Practices
- Printing: Use recommended settings for UV, solvent, ecoāsolvent, and latex on synthetic substrates.
- Cutting & Routing: Employ sharp tools and moderate feed rates to avoid melting.
- Mounting: Choose exteriorārated adhesives for outdoor install; mechanical fasteners as needed.
- Protective Film: Keep film on during fabrication; remove after install.
- Edge Finishing: Sand or route edges; paint if desired for accent.
Installation Guidelines
- Mounting: Allow thermal expansion with oversized holes and flexible attachments.
- Support: Provide adequate bracing for larger panels to prevent sagging.
- Placement: Minimize direct southern exposure for best longevity.
- Cleaning: Wipe with mild soap and water; avoid abrasives.
Frequently Asked Questions About SMARTāX Foam Board
How does SMARTāX compare to paper-faced foam boards?
SMARTāX outperforms paperāfaced boards in moisture resistance, outdoor durability, and recyclability. It won’t warp, bubble, or delaminate and is fully recyclable at end-of-life.
Can SMARTāX be used for permanent outdoor installations?
Designed for up to 2 years of outdoor exposure. For longer durations, consult Laird Plastics for exterior-grade alternatives.
Which printing methods work best?
Excellent with UV, solvent, ecoāsolvent, and latex. Clean surface with isopropyl alcohol before printing for optimal adhesion.
What adhesives are compatible?
Use polystyreneārated solventābased adhesives for permanence or pressureāsensitive adhesives for repositionable installs. Avoid overātightening fasteners to protect the core.
Elevate Your Visual Communications with EcoāFriendly SMARTāX
From outdoor signs to retail displays, SMARTāX combines durability, print quality, and sustainability. As the first fully recyclable heavyāduty foam board in the Americas, it helps you meet green goals without sacrificing performance.
Contact your local Laird Plastics representative to discover how SMARTāX can power your next project.
