AV AIRVEXPRO
Resources & Insights

Buying guides, written by the people who cut the foam.

Short, technical guides to the decisions protective-packaging buyers actually face — density, construction, returnables economics and RFQ preparation.

Guide · Foam Engineering

Choosing EVA foam density: the three variables that matter

Foam density is not a quality dial — softer is not worse and firmer is not safer. The right density comes from three inputs: the part's weight (energy to absorb), its fragility (peak deceleration it tolerates), and the contact area spreading the load. Too firm, and the foam transmits the shock; too soft, and it bottoms out and the part takes the hit anyway. That is why engineered inserts use layered stacks: each density handles one part of the problem.

Read the materials guide →

Guide · Case Specification

Case, carton or tray? Specifying by journey, not by habit

Start with the journey. One-way shipment to an end user: a foam insert in a specified carton usually wins on cost. Equipment that travels weekly with a technician: a fitted protective case pays back in avoided damage and faster packing. Parts looping between two sites: returnable trays. The expensive mistake is buying the middle option for all three journeys.

Compare the product lines →

Guide · Returnables Economics

The per-trip maths of returnable packaging

Returnables are a capital decision, so evaluate them per trip: (unit cost ÷ expected trips) + return freight per trip, versus your current per-shipment packaging cost plus damage cost. Two design choices dominate the result — trip life (materials and construction) and return ratio (how efficiently empties travel back). We model both in every returnables proposal.

Returnable packaging →

Guide · RFQ Preparation

What a good RFQ package contains

Five things turn an enquiry into an accurate, fast quotation: (1) the part's CAD or dimensioned drawing, (2) part weight and any fragility notes, (3) quantities — prototype and production, (4) how the packed product is handled and shipped, and (5) your target date. Missing items do not block a quote; they just add a round of questions. Our RFQ form is structured around exactly these inputs.

Open the RFQ form →
FAQ

Common questions

What file formats can I send for a foam insert quotation?

STEP or IGES files of the part are ideal; DXF or PDF drawings also work. If you have no CAD, clear photos with key dimensions — or the physical part for measurement — are acceptable starting points.

How is EVA foam density chosen for an insert?

Density is selected from the part's weight, fragility and contact area. Heavier or more fragile parts need a density that absorbs the expected drop energy without bottoming out; multi-density stacks let each layer do a different job — load spreading, cushioning and surface retention.

Can I order a single prototype before committing to production?

Yes. Prototyping is a standard step in our process: a first article is produced on production processes, fit-checked and approved before any production run is released.

When does returnable packaging pay back?

Typically when the same parts move between the same points at least weekly on a controlled loop, and the parts are valuable or finish-sensitive. We model the per-trip cost against your current packaging in the proposal so the decision is based on numbers, not preference.

Do you ship internationally?

Production is coordinated from Shenzhen, China, and finished goods are packed for export shipment. Freight arrangements are confirmed per order — we can work with your forwarder or quote delivery as part of the proposal.