Universal Foam Products supplied nominal 3 lb density EPS foam blocks measuring 6” x 48” x 96” for use in the ASCE Concrete Canoe Competition — a nationally recognized collegiate engineering event. These EPS foam blocks served as the base mold material for fabricating a lightweight, high-performance concrete canoe.
Shown in the photos is one of the many participating universities that Universal Foam Products works with and their EPS foam mold. Using a CNC router, the students cut the foam to exact specifications, creating a form to build their canoe over. The high-density EPS provided the strength and dimensional stability needed to maintain shape during the concrete application and curing process.
EPS is an ideal material for this type of application due to its lightweight properties and ease of machining. Once the concrete has cured, the foam can be easily removed, leaving behind a smooth, accurate canoe shell ready for competition.
