Description
IPS Foam sells two-colored Polyethylene Foam, commonly called Shadow Foam, Tool Box Foam, or Kaizen Foam. This foam is made with a thinner colored layer of denser PE Foam on the top, with the regular black PE Foam underneath. This make for easier ability to find the tool spaces when they are empty. Depending on quantity, we can custom cut your tool control foam.
What is tool control?
“Tool control” refers to a systematic approach used in various industries, particularly aviation, aerospace, manufacturing, and maintenance, to manage and track tools effectively. The primary goal of tool control is to ensure that all tools and equipment are accounted for, properly stored, and readily accessible when needed. This helps improve efficiency, productivity, safety, and compliance with industry regulations.
How is foam used for Tool Control?
Foam is commonly used for tool control in various industries, particularly in settings where precise organization and rapid tool identification are crucial, such as aviation, automotive, and manufacturing.
Here’s how foam is typically used for tool control:
Custom Tool Inserts: Foam is often cut into custom shapes to create inserts that fit into toolboxes, drawers, or cases. These inserts have cutouts specifically designed to hold each tool securely in place. The shape of each cutout matches the outline of the tool it’s meant to hold, ensuring a snug fit.
Visual Management: Foam inserts are usually made in contrasting colors, such as black foam with brightly colored tool outlines. This creates a high-contrast visual management system where missing tools are immediately apparent. If a tool is not in its designated spot, it’s easy to see at a glance, which helps prevent tools from being misplaced or forgotten.
Protection and Organization: Foam provides cushioning and protection for tools, preventing them from knocking against each other during transportation or storage. It also keeps tools organized and prevents them from shifting around, which reduces the risk of damage and makes it easier to find the right tool when needed.
Efficiency and Productivity: With foam tool control systems, workers can quickly locate the tools they need for a task without wasting time searching through cluttered toolboxes or drawers. This improves efficiency and productivity in the workplace, as workers can focus more on their tasks and less on hunting for tools.
Customization: Foam can be easily customized to accommodate different tool sets and layouts. Whether it’s a small handheld toolbox or a large cabinet, foam inserts can be tailored to fit the available space and the specific tools being used.
What is the difference between Kaizen Foam and our dual-color foam?
The main difference is price. Kaizen foam does a good job marketing foam, and therefore charges more.
Kaizen Foam is offered in limited sizes.
Kaizen foam is made in 1/8” thick layers laminated together with the idea that if you cut a pocket into the foam, you can just cut to one of the layers and pull out the foam and get a clean bottom. Unfortunately, this rarely works. If it did, we would have Kaizen Foam.
