The AF Series Reticulated Foam 0.500″ thick RF absorber is a low-profile option in the 3PB Solutions line of tapered, carbon-loaded reticulated foam absorbers. The carbon loading is graded from light at the front face to heavy at the back, creating an impedance-matched entry that minimizes reflection, with the open-cell structure scattering the wave to extend its path through the lossy material. Like all reticulated foam, it delivers its rated performance when installed on a conductive surface.

At 0.500″ thick, this material works from 8 GHz to above 100 GHz with -20 to -40 dB attenuation, covering X band and everything above it in half an inch of depth. It is a common choice for antenna measurement systems and test fixtures operating at X band and higher. For tighter clearances at 10 GHz and above, the 0.375″ option saves an eighth of an inch; when C-band coverage is needed, move up to the 0.750″ or 1.000″ options.

Key Specifications
Base material: Open-cell reticulated polyurethane foam, tapered carbon loading
Thickness: 0.500″ (12.700 mm)
Frequency range: 8 GHz to above 100 GHz
Attenuation: -20 to -40 dB on a conductive backing
Operating temperature: -45 to +120°C
Sheet sizes: 24″ x 24″ and 12″ x 12″
Backing options: Conductive foil ground plane, 3M 9485PC PSA backing, or both
Compliance: Halogen-free, RoHS/REACH compliant

Common Applications
X-band and above antenna measurement, radar test environments, minimizing reflections from walls, ground planes, and test equipment, and retrofit installations where pyramidal absorbers will not fit.

Need a custom die-cut shape, a size not listed here, or a large production quantity? Contact our engineering team for a quote. Custom die-cut parts ship in 2 to 3 weeks.

For reflectivity performance curves by thickness and frequency, see the AF Series Reticulated datasheet, or email us or give us a call at 855-785-5660.