Woojin Plaimm, South Korea’s leading injection molding machine manufacturer, has unveiled its latest micro physical foam molding technology, 'Clean-Foam,' marking a new stage in eco-friendly plastic production.

Foam molding is a manufacturing process that introduces bubbles into plastic or rubber materials to produce lightweight products with excellent shock absorption. There are two main types of foam molding:

* Chemical foam molding, which uses foaming agents, and

* Physical foam molding, which injects gas directly from an external source.

Among them, physical foam molding is highly regarded for its ability to produce uniform cell structures and easily controlled density — making it ideal for automotive interior parts and lightweight structural components. 

Woojin Plaimm has long been recognised as a pioneer in micro physical foam molding, contributing significantly to building a sustainable plastics ecosystem, the company said.

From Super-Foam to Clean-Foam

Building on years of development and extensive trial production, Woojin Plaimm first introduced its proprietary Super-Foam technology — a platform that enables the production of lighter, recyclable plastic parts while reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.

Now, the company has advanced this technology even further with Clean-Foam, an upgraded micro physical foam molding process that eliminates rib sink marks and achieves paintable surface quality—a breakthrough long sought after in physical foaming applications.

Clean-Foam retains the strengths of Super-Foam while enabling stable molding of large or complex parts with multiple ribs and hooks. The process is particularly effective for wide and long surfaces, and allows optimized cycle time and process control.

Eco-friendly and versatile

The Clean-Foam process also supports the use of recycled materials, foamed core layers, hybrid resins, and glass-fiber-reinforced plastics, enabling its adoption across a wide range of industries pursuing lightweight and sustainable manufacturing.

While micro physical foam molding offers clear advantages, successful application requires extensive expertise and process know-how. To support customers, Woojin Plaimm maintains dedicated physical foam molding test machines and auxiliary equipment at its facilities, allowing users to test both Super-Foam and Clean-Foam systems under real-world conditions.

Through this proactive approach, the company provides customers with tailored process parameters and optimal molding solutions, ensuring seamless adoption of the technology.

Toward a sustainable future in injection molding

By introducing Clean-Foam, Woojin Plaimm continues to lead in the development of high-efficiency, low-emission, and recyclable foam molding technologies, reaffirming its commitment to advancing innovation and sustainability within the global injection molding industry.

At the recent K 2025 trade show in Düsseldorf, Woojin Plaimm showcased the Clean-Foam process to global audiences. The company reported substantial engagement with visitors from around the world, confirming heightened interest in its foam-moulding platforms. This global attention reinforces Woojin Plaimm’s positioning as a supplier of next-generation foam injection solutions and underscores the strategic timing of Clean-Foam’s commercial launch, it said. - TradeArabia News Service