Difference Between PVC Sheet and Expanded PVC Sheet (PVC Foam Board)

PVC Sheet is a general term referring to various types of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheets. It includes both solid and foamed forms. One specific type is the Expanded PVC Sheet, also known as PVC Foam Board.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the differences:

Definition and Structure

• PVC Sheet
  A broad category of sheets made from PVC. It can be:

  • Rigid PVC (solid and dense)

  • Clear PVC

  • PVC Foam Board (expanded, lightweight)

• Expanded PVC Sheet (PVC Foam Board)
  A lightweight sheet made using a foaming process. It has a fine, closed-cell structure inside and a smooth, printable surface on the outside. It’s soft, easy to cut, and ideal for signage and displays.

Material Characteristics Comparison

Common Applications

• Rigid PVC Sheet:
  Used in industrial and structural fields, such as chemical tanks, partitions, protective walls, and machine parts.

• PVC Foam Board (Expanded PVC):
  Widely used in advertising displays, signage, interior design, scale models, and CNC-carved decorative elements.

Summary in One Sentence:

PVC Sheet refers to all PVC board types, while Expanded PVC Sheet (PVC Foam Board) is a lightweight, foamed version perfect for signage, displays, and decorative applications.