Foam & Sponge Gasket Materials
Open-cell and closed-cell foam and sponge for gasket materials
Foam and sponge are essential gasketing materials used to seal enclosures across various industries, especially in electrical enclosures and applications requiring low compression force. These materials are softer than solid alternatives, featuring open-air spaces within their interlaced cell structure.
Applications and Benefits
- Foam Materials: Ideal for applications where resilience, long-term durability, and precise performance are crucial. Foam materials are suitable for high-performance sealing.
- Sponge Materials: Industrial sponge materials are excellent for sealing out harsh environmental elements and meeting IP specifications.
Foam and sponge can also be used for vibration dampening and shock absorption.
Why Choose Sealing Devices for Foam and Sponge Products?
Sealing Devices is a trusted foam fabricator and converter of Rogers Poron urethane foams and Rogers Bisco silicone foams. We also specialize in converting low-compression set, closed-cell sponge materials, known for their high-temperature stability, resilience, and resistance to degradation to sunlight and ozone. Sealing Devices also offers materials from other renowned manufacturers, such as Saint-Gobain and Armacell.
Custom Fabrication & Converting Capabilities: Sealing Devices offers a range of customization options, including:
- Slitting Rolls to Width: We can cut rolls to your specified width.
- Splitting Foams to Thickness: We can split foams to the desired thickness.
- Laminating Adhesives: We can laminate a variety of adhesives in roll form.
- Cutting Custom Shapes: We can cut foam and sponge into custom-designed shapes to meet your specific requirements.
Types of Foam & Sponge (Open-cell foam vs closed-cell foam)
Open-Cell Foams – Sponge/foams where gas pockets are connected with each other. The cells allow water absorption even under compression.
Closed-Cell Foams – Sponge/foams where gas pockets are sealed from each other. The foam cells are self-contained, and the material cannot absorb water or other fluids.
Mixed-Cell Foams – The cells are open unless the material is compressed. When the material is compressed, the cells close to prevent absorption.
Foam & Sponge Materials Available in a Range of Elastomers Including:
- Silicone
- Urethane
- Neoprene
- EPDM
- Blended Foam (Neoprene, EPDM, SBR)
- Blended Foam (PVC, NBR, Neoprene)
- Crosslinked PE
- Polyester
Understanding Foam and Sponge Material Properties
Foam and sponge materials come in various hardness levels, densities, water absorption capacities, and compression set resistances.
- Hardness: ASTM D1056 measures hardness as a stress range at 25% compression, e.g., 1-5 psi.
- Density: Commonly expressed in pcf (pounds per cubic feet), e.g., 4-8 pcf
- Water Absorption: Expressed as a percentage change in weight, e.g., 5%
- Compression Set Resistance: Measures material resilience, indicating its ability to return to its original shape after compression. Lower values signify better resilience.
Sealing Devices offers all different types of foam and sponge to address your unique application needs.
Foam and Sponge Products
Norseal® Foams
Norseal® silicone sponge products are high-performance silicone materials with a chemical structure providing high-temperature stability with inertness.
Bisco Silicone Sponge
Rogers BISCO product lines are the world’s leaders in silicone foams used for gasketing and sealing applications.
Bisco Poron Polyurethanes
Rogers line of PORON Industrial Polyurethanes provide durable, long-term performance in industrial applications.
Common Applications & Product Forms
At Sealing Devices, we have a large inventory of sponge rubbers. Each form of sponge rubber meets distinct engineering needs and enhances performance and reliability in various applications.
Sponge Rubber Gaskets: These are compressible gaskets made from sponge rubber gasket materials designed to create a seal between two surfaces. They are commonly used in applications requiring flexibility and a reliable seal, such as in HVAC systems, automotive assemblies, and industrial equipment.
Sponge Dust Gasketing: This refers to sponge rubber materials used specifically to seal against dust, dirt, and particles. They are often used in electronic enclosures, automotive components, and other environments requiring protection from contaminants.
Sponge Rubber Sheets: These sponge rubber sheets can be used for gasketing, cushioning, and vibration isolation applications. Sponge rubber sheets can provide a versatile solution for various industrial and commercial needs.
Sponge Rubber Products: This encompasses a wide range of finished products made from sponge rubber, including seals, gaskets, pads, and customized components.
Closed-Cell Sponge Rolls: Closed-cell sponge rubber rolls have sealed cells that do not allow water or air to pass through. They provide good insulation and cushioning.
Open-Cell Rubber: Open-cell sponge rubber has interconnected cells that allow air and moisture to pass through. This type of rubber is often used for applications requiring breathability and cushioning, such as in soundproofing and cushioning pads.
Sponge Rubber Sheet Materials: We offer a variety of sponge rubber sheet materials. These sheets can be fabricated into custom shapes and sizes to suit specific applications.
Die-Cut Sponge Rubber Parts: Die-cut sponge rubber parts are precisely cut to meet exact specifications, ensuring a perfect fit for your application. These parts are used in various industries, including automotive, electronics, and industrial manufacturing, where precise dimensions and reliable performance are essential.
Choosing the right foam and sponge products is crucial for ensuring optimal performance in your applications. At Sealing Devices, we are committed to providing high-quality, customizable solutions to meet your unique requirements. Contact us today to learn more about how our products can enhance your projects and deliver reliable, long-lasting results.
Is closed-cell foam waterproof?
Yes, closed-cell foam is generally waterproof. The structure of closed-cell foam consists of cells that are completely enclosed and not interconnected, which makes it resistant to water absorption.
Is closed-cell foam flammable?
Closed-cell foam can be flammable, depending on the specific type of formulation of the foam. Different types of closed-cell foam are made from various materials, such as silicone, urethane, and neoprene. The flammability of the foam depends on the material used.
What is urethane foam?
Urethane foam, commonly referred to as polyurethane foam, is a versatile polymer material known for its wide range of properties and applications. Different types of urethane foam include flexible, rigid, and integral. Some key properties of urethane foam include being lightweight, having thermal insulation, versatility, durability, and shock absorption.
Is urethane foam safe? Is urethane foam toxic?
Urethane foam is generally safe when properly manufactured and handled. It is chemically stable and does not typically pose significant health risks under normal conditions. Urethane foam can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when new, which may cause temporary irritation to some individuals. However, it does not generally present toxicity concerns once cured and in typical use.