Foam PVC (Forex) — Product Guide
Internal · Updated June 2026
What it is
Foam PVC, also called Forex, is one of Signmax's lightweight rigid sign materials. It is affordable, easy to mount, and suitable for indoor use and short-term outdoor use. Foam PVC is a common choice for retail, event, and exhibition signage where cost and ease of handling matter more than long-term outdoor durability.
When to recommend it
Good fit when the customer needs:
- Affordable signage
- Indoor or temporary outdoor signage
- Large-format signs that need to stay lightweight
- Exhibition or event signage
- Directional or promotional signage
Not a good fit when the customer needs:
- Long-term outdoor signage → recommend Aluminium or Solid PET
- Premium appearance → recommend Aluminium or Acrylic
- High rigidity or heavy-duty signage → recommend Aluminium
- Maximum weather resistance → recommend Aluminium or Solid PET
Material and specifications
| Material | Foam PVC (Forex) |
| Thickness | 3 mm standard |
| Print method | UV print |
| Surface | Smooth matte |
| Use | Indoor and short-term outdoor |
| Origin | Switzerland |
| CO2e | 5.17 kg per m² |
Foam PVC is lightweight and easy to mount, even in larger formats. The UV print gives a smooth matte finish suitable for most indoor branding needs. Because it is a foam-based plastic, it does not offer the same long-term outdoor durability or rigidity as aluminium or solid PET, and should be positioned as a cost-effective option rather than a premium one.
Custom cut-out logos and text
Custom cut-out logos and wall text can be produced in 10 mm Foam PVC, black only, using sheets sized 2050 × 1525 mm. Before quoting a cut-out logo or text request, check that the material is in stock and confirm production feasibility.
Custom options
Most Foam PVC requests can be handled through the standard assortment. Custom requests may include:
- Alternative thicknesses — for specific projects or installations. Confirm with production before quoting.
- Custom sizes — for large orders or special projects. Confirm with production before quoting.
- Special fixing solutions — for specific installation requirements. Confirm with production before quoting.
Always confirm custom options with production before quoting. Never estimate prices for custom requests without checking first.
Common use cases
- Retail signage — cost-effective for in-store displays and promotions that are updated regularly.
- Exhibition and event signage — lightweight and easy to transport and set up for trade fairs and events.
- Indoor branding — good print quality at a lower cost than rigid premium materials.
- Temporary outdoor signs — suitable for short-term outdoor use such as campaigns or seasonal signage.
- Directional signage — lightweight and easy to mount for wayfinding both indoors and short-term outdoors.
Sustainability
Foam PVC is produced in Switzerland with a CO2e of 5.17 kg per m². The lightweight nature of the material can also help reduce transport-related emissions compared to heavier rigid materials.