Insulation is defined as “any material or substance that provides a high resistance to the flow of heat from one surface to another.” Industrial applications of insulators, insulation material and accessories are numerous; the different types of insulation provide heat protection for many industrial processes and/or equipment. Here is a look at the two most common types of insulation.

One of the most common types of insulation is fibreglass. This product was originally invented and patented by the Owens Corning company in 1938; essentially, fibreglass is produced by moving melted glass through a very, very fine screen. The resulting glass threads are then woven together in order to form a cloth-like material that is resistant to high temperature. This material can then be moulded or mixed with other materials in order to form different types of insulation products. Fibreglass does have some safety considerations, as it is made of glass; it is advisable to wear gloves and safety goggles when working with this insulation material.

Foam insulation is another type insulator used in industry. This type of insulation is becoming more and more popular, not only because the products are easy to use, but because they have less safety and environmental concerns, as well. These products are generally made of polyurethane foam and come in several forms. One form is a spray-able liquid that foams and hardens upon contact with air, making it ideal for sealing cracks and around windows; another common form of this type of insulation is foam boards (hardened and moulded polyurethane).