What are foam gaskets?

Learn more about foam gaskets and the type you should be using for your product or application.

Foam gaskets are used as versatile sealing solutions for various manufacturing products and applications. The flexible and dense nature of the foam makes it ideal to resist air, dust and liquid. The main purpose of a gasket is to prevent any form of leakage by filling the space between two or more surfaces. They are particularly useful when specifications require something to be watertight or airtight. Some foam gaskets can also be used as filters, but this is less common.

Foam gaskets come in two forms:
– Closed-cell
– Open-cell

Open-cell foam gaskets allow air to pass through and are considered open when more than half of its cells are open. This capability allows open-cell foams to transfer certain gasses and liquids. Common forms of open-cell foams include polyurethane foam and pyrosorb foam.

In contrast, closed-cell foam gaskets are known for their enclosed sealing capabilities. It’s defined as ‘closed-cell’ because it is entirely encased. The process of enclosing is typically achieved when exposing the rubber to nitrogen at high pressure.

What are the uses of foam gasket?

More specific uses of foam gaskets involve:
– Material slitting
– Adhesive laminating
– Die-cutting
– Fabrication
– Assembly

Where are foam gaskets used?

Foam gaskets have many applications that are used across a wide range of industries, from foam gaskets for electrical outlets to house insulation. These applications include:

Gasketing, Sealing, Weather resistance, Fluid restriction, Noise reduction, Insulation, Mounting, Cushioning, Dampening, Electrical Absorption and Vibration control

The various industries that make use of foam gaskets include:

Automotive, Appliance, Electronic, Medical, Lighting and HVAC

It’s versatility, reliability, and overall effectiveness make foam gaskets an unrivalled sealing solution for multiple industries worldwide.

What are the different types of foam gaskets?

Another major benefit to foam gaskets is the vast choice of material available. Each material has its own properties that are suited to different environments. With this in mind, the specifications for the gasket need to accommodate certain exposing factors, such as temperatures, moisture and chemicals. You should consider these factors when choosing your ideal foam gasket.

Polyethylene foam gaskets
Polyethylene foam, also known as PE and LPDE, is an ideal sealing foam due to its strength, resilience, and rigidness. The polyethylene foam gasket also has a smooth surface which is excellent for consistency, gauge control and low vapour absorption.

ECOcell foam gaskets
ECOcell self-adhesive foam gaskets are made from 100% recycled material and are completely recyclable. ECOcell has total conversion capabilities that come in a dynamic thickness range. It can perform sealing for material slitting, die-cutting, CNC machining, fabrication and more.

Nitto foam gaskets
The speciality of Nitto foam gaskets is its superior sealability within a semi-closed cell form. It has excellent weather and chemical resistance while being incredibly durable. The Nitto foam gasket is popular in the automotive industry.

Polyamide foam gaskets
Polyamide is a lightweight, strong, and durable foam gasket that performs at the most intense temperatures. This foam gasket comes in the closed-cell form and has full conversion capabilities across various manufacturing applications.

Polyurethane foam gaskets
Polyurethane foam gaskets are an open-cell low-density sealing solution. It’s ideal for packaging, cushioning, and vibration dampening.

Pyrosorb foam gaskets
Pyrosorb foam gaskets are another open-cell form that can be used in a variety of applications. It is most suitable for vibration dampening and sealing under compression.

PVC foam gaskets
PVC typically has an excellent open-cell foam structure. Its lightweight capabilities are accompanied by decent mechanical and insulation benefits.

Superseal foam gaskets
Superseal has advanced water sealing properties while remaining extremely lightweight. This self-adhesive foam gasket is also double-sided adhesive and perforated.

Silicone gaskets
Silicone sponge works well as a gasket for its tensile strength and thermal properties. The silicone works as a very dense seal, resistant to air, dust, and water mitigation. Due to its immense versatility, silicone provides many solutions for countless products and industries.

EPDM gaskets
Another excellent sealing and insulation material, EPDM has a softer cell structure that’s ideal for noise reduction. EPDM works well with temperature, thermal insulation, oil, and flame resistance. Many EPDM sponge solutions are used across various industries. These include engineering, automotive, and mass transit.

Neoprene gaskets
Neoprene EPDM is specified for its oil and petrol resistant properties while being a cheaper option despite its high performance. Neoprene EPDM offers exceptional weatherproofing over longer periods due to its anti-ageing ability.

Nitrile PVC gaskets
Nitrile PVC works well across a wide range of industry applications. The soft cell structure of the foam absorbs sound very effectively. Nitrile PVC foam has very high levels of temperature conductivity. This makes it an ideal seal for HVAC ducting and refrigeration applications.

Is there a specific way to fit them?

Whenever attempting to fit a foam gasket make sure safety comes first. A common reason to fit foam gaskets is to trap heat and energy for insulation and electrical purposes. For example, fitting a foam gasket for an electrical outlet.

As discussed, foam gaskets have many uses across various industries. Don’t attempt to fit a foam gasket in a potentially dangerous situation without advice and guidance from a professional.

Speak to a foam gasket specialist

If you’re in search of any foam gasket sealing solutions, please get in touch with us.

As the industry leader in the UK with global accreditation and over 50 years of experience, you can trust our wide range of foam gaskets will provide your business with the sealing solution it needs.

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