How foam is quoted.
Why per-kilogram and per-square-metre quotes are not comparable, what actually drives the cost of a die-cut filter, and the four things we need to give you a firm number.
Per kilo or per square metre.
Both conventions are in use across the Indian foam trade, and this makes comparison harder than it should be. Occasionally that is the point.
Coarse and fine grades at the same thickness differ substantially in weight, because they are different formulations with different amounts of polymer in the same volume. So a rate per kilogram and a rate per square metre describe genuinely different things — and a quote that looks cheaper per kilo can be more expensive per finished filter.
The fix is simple and worth insisting on: ask every supplier to quote in the same unit, ideally the one you actually buy in. We will quote either way. If you tell us the finished part, we will quote per part, which removes the arithmetic entirely.
Four variables.
- Pore grade. Different grades are different formulations, not different cuts of one block, so they carry different material costs. See choosing a PPI.
- Thickness. Directly proportional to material used. From 5 mm upwards.
- Profile. A plain rectangle and a ring with internal apertures are different jobs. Complexity affects tooling, not usually the per-part rate. See die-cutting.
- Quantity. Foam is volume-quoted, and tooling amortises across the run.
Tooling for a custom profile is a one-time cost, quoted separately from the per-part price so you can see which is which. Once it exists, repeat orders run against it — so the second order of a part is materially cheaper than the first, and simple rectangles and strips often need no tooling at all.
Send these four things.
- 01 — Grade, in PPI. Or describe the application and we will recommend one.
- 02 — Thickness, from 5 mm upwards.
- 03 — Profile, as a drawing, DXF, or the physical part you want matched. Without this, any price is guesswork.
- 04 — Quantity — this order, and roughly what you use in a year.
That fourth point is worth more than people expect. A price set against realistic annual usage is usually better than one set against a single batch, and it lets us schedule repeat supply so you are neither carrying inventory nor waiting a full lead time on each order.
Within Delhi NCR, delivery goes by road and collection from Ghaziabad is available — see foam supply across Delhi NCR.
Common questions.
How much does reticulated foam cost?
It depends on four things and no honest supplier can price it without them: the pore grade, the thickness, the finished profile, and the quantity. A coarse 20 PPI sheet and a fine 80 PPI one are different formulations with different costs, and a plain rectangle and a die-cut ring with internal apertures are different jobs. Send those four and you will get a firm figure rather than a range.
Why do some suppliers quote per kilogram and others per square metre?
Both conventions are in use, which makes comparison harder than it should be — and occasionally that is the point. Coarse and fine grades at the same thickness differ substantially in weight, so a rate per kilo and a rate per square metre describe genuinely different things. A quote that looks cheaper per kilo can be more expensive per filter. Ask both suppliers to quote in the same unit.
Is there a tooling cost for a custom shape?
For most custom profiles, yes, as a one-time charge. Once the tool exists, repeat orders run against it with no further tooling cost, so the second order of a part is materially cheaper than the first. Simple rectangles and strips often need no tooling at all. We separate tooling from the per-part price in the quote so you can see which is which.
Does the price come down with quantity?
Yes, meaningfully — foam is a volume-quoted material and tooling is amortised across the run. This is why it is worth telling us your annual usage rather than only this order: a price set against a realistic yearly quantity is usually better than one set against a single batch, and repeat supply can be scheduled against it.
What do you need from me to quote?
Pore grade in PPI (or a description of the application if you are unsure), thickness, the finished profile as a drawing, DXF or physical sample, and the quantity — ideally both this order and roughly what you use in a year. With those, a firm quote is straightforward. Without the profile, any number is guesswork.
Keep reading.
Ready to bring
your idea to life?
Whether you're an entrepreneur with a sketch or an established company scaling production, we'll treat your project like it's the only one on the floor.
Let's talk.
Prefer a quick chat? Call us directly, ping us on WhatsApp, or drop an email. We reply within a few hours during business hours.