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1286 Review
28 Karma

Review on Enhanced Instapak Quick Temperature Expanding Packaging by Gary Stringfield

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Ideal for packaging and transporting custom PCs

I bought this size for an ATX form factor PC and it works great. However, these days I mainly use it for PCs in Micro-ATX cases. This is a tight fit. If you are considering shipping mATX, tape additional material (such as the airbags that come with the components) under the metal edge of your case before inserting and expanding the foam to ensure the foam does not droop under the edge remains. If the foam expands and hardens under an edge or other obstacle, it becomes very difficult for the recipient to remove the foam without tearing the foam and smearing bits of foam inside their new PC. Panel in a mATX case because the foam expands with too much pressure. Also, I closed the shutter so that the deflated bag partially hung outside of the case, so the closed shutter blocked the vapor ports. It's all user error. Here's my advice: practice closing the panel before inflating it. pop and dab. Work quickly and carefully. Before the foam expands, make sure the entire uninflated bag is flattened inside the case (e.g. vents must be able to escape steam). Attach the panel, close the panel and press firmly with your hands to strengthen the panel, and ensure that the expansion pressure does not break the panel hardware. When the foam stops expanding, the pressure equalizes and you no longer need to reinforce the panel. I have shipped several PCs across the US using this foam and they have always arrived in perfect condition. Much luck!

Pros
  • packaging material
Cons
  • boring packaging