Forex, Sintra, Komatex, celuka, expanded PVC and dekota all describe PVC foam board. Here is what each name means and what to ask your supplier.
Buyers around the world search for the same material under many different names. If you have ever wondered whether forex sheet, sintra board, celuka board and dekota are different products, the short answer is: they are all PVC foam board. The details below will help you ask your supplier the right questions.
Brand names that became generic
- Forex® — a European brand name that is so widely known that “forex” is used for any PVC foam sheet in many countries, especially in Europe, the Middle East and India.
- Sintra® — the brand name commonly used in North America; “sintra board” is a popular search term for PVC foam board in the USA.
- Komatex® and others — further brand names used in some markets.
These are registered trademarks of their respective owners. Toyopan is not affiliated with them; we use the names only to explain common search terms.
Generic and technical names
- PVC foam board / PVC foam sheet — the standard international name.
- Expanded PVC or PVC expanded sheet — emphasises the foamed core.
- Celuka board — a board made with the celuka process, which gives a hard, smooth skin.
- Free foam board — a board without a hard skin, with a matte, uniform surface.
- Dekota — the name used for PVC foam board in Türkiye.
- PVC köpük levha — Turkish for “PVC foam sheet”.
What actually matters when you compare sheets
Instead of the name, compare the specification:
- Production type: free foam, celuka or co-extruded.
- Density (g/cm³): higher density means a harder, heavier and more rigid board.
- Thickness tolerance and flatness.
- Surface quality for printing and lamination.
- Colour and whiteness stability.
- Documents: SDS/MSDS, REACH and CE declarations, fire test reports.
Tell us which name you use locally and what you will make with the board; we will recommend the right Toyopan grade. Request a quote.