Bead foam compression molding method with in situ steam generation for low density product

A method for molding a foamed article, comprising:

• placing an amount of water in a compression mold in the shape of an article;
• then placing a desired amount of thermoplastic polyurethane foam beads in the compression mold, wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane foam beads have a density of from about 0.01 to about 0.3 g/cm3 and wherein 1 part by weight water per from about 1.5 to about 20 parts by weight of the thermoplastic polyurethane foam beads is used;
• closing the mold;
• bringing the mold to a peak temperature of from about 130° C. to about 180° C. over a period of from about 300 to about 1500 seconds;
• cooling the mold to a temperature of from about 5° C. to about 80° C. over a period of from about 300 to about 1500 seconds within about 30 seconds after the peak temperature is reached;
• and
• removing the article.