When winter comes, many foam packaging users notice slower expansion, weaker foam rise, and longer curing time. This is not a quality problem. Polyurethane foam reacts like any chemical reaction: the colder it is, the slower it goes.
Why cold weather slows foaming
At 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, foam expands in 3 to 5 seconds and cures in about 10 seconds. Below 10 degrees, both A and B chemicals become more viscous, the reaction slows, expansion ratio drops, and foam turns tight and brittle. Cold cartons and cold products also absorb heat and slow the reaction further.
How to fix it
First, turn up the machine heater. CosMolar machines have temperature control for both A and B tanks. In winter, raise the set point by about 5 degrees from the normal 25 to 30 degrees to 30 to 35. Keep chemical temperature above 40 to avoid shelf-life issues.
Second, keep the packing area warm. A local heater or fan near the spray station helps. Do not spray in open drafts or outdoors. Third, wait longer before moving the carton. Winter curing takes 8 to 10 seconds instead of 3. Let the foam fully set before handling.
Fourth, store chemicals at 10 to 30 degrees. Do not leave drums below freezing, as cold storage can thicken or separate the material. Bring drums into the workshop a few hours before use.
With these adjustments, winter foam performance matches summer. CosMolar technical support is available by phone for winter setup questions. Website: https://www.cosmolar.com/