Ensolite Closed-Cell Foam: A Versatile Material for Custom Gaskets in Industrial Applications 

Ensolite is a well-designed, general-purpose material that OEMs and product designers can rely on to get the job done. It offers consistent performance within its price range, making it an excellent value. Even better, it pairs effectively with pressure-sensitive adhesives, making it an ideal material for gasketing, sealing and gap filling. 

In this blog, we’ll focus on Ensolite closed cell foam gaskets – a go-to material in many industrial, automotive applications – its characteristics, its benefits and how we at SRP can customize it to your application. 

Key characteristics of Ensolite IR series 

Closed-cell foam construction

Ensolite IR foam is extruded into sheets with a skin on both sides, enhancing its resistance to microbes, oil and moisture. This closed-cell structure provides durability and versatility across various applications.

Material composition of Ensolite IR Series 

Ensolite closed cell foam is made from a cost-effective blend of materials that helps make it exceptionally versatile:

  • Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR): A synthetic rubber that resists oil, fuel, chemicals and abrasion.
  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): A durable material that adds strength, flame resistance and weatherability.
  • Neoprene (CR): A synthetic rubber that withstands weather elements and retains flexibility across a wide temperature range.

Get the full picture on Ensolite closed-cell foam with this overview and data sheets. 

Benefits of the Ensolite IR series

Flame resistance

A standout feature of Ensolite IR41 and IR42 is their rare combination of closed-cell foam construction and flame-resistant properties. Both are UL-listed under UL 94 HBF and UL 50E for gaskets and seals, making them ideal for applications with heat exposure or potential fire hazards. This fire resistant property adds an extra layer of safety for end users.

Ozone resistance

The Ensolite IR series is rated for ozone resistance, making it highly suited for outdoor environments.

  • IR41: Provides good ozone resistance.
  • IR42: Offers superior resistance to ozone and weathering.

Oil Resistance

Ensolite IR foams are oil-resistant, which makes them excellent for industrial and automotive applications:

  • IR41: Rated for basic oil resistance.
  • IR42: Rated for enhanced oil resistance, making it ideal for more demanding applications.

Shock absorption

Ensolite’s shock-absorbing properties make it effective in anti-fatigue applications. It can also extend the service life of machinery and other equipment by minimizing vibrations and impacts.

Key applications for Ensolite IR series 

The Ensolite IR series has uses across multiple rugged applications, with the ability to resist weather, ozone, oil and heat. 

  • Automotive 
  • Aerospace 
  • HVAC 
  • Heavy industrial 

Are there applications where Ensolite is less advantageous?

While Ensolite closed cell foam is versatile and performs well in many operating environments, certain applications may benefit from alternative materials due to specific property requirements:

  • Compression set: Rated as moderate, which may be insufficient for applications that call for long-term thickness retention.
  • Vibration damping: Provides good, but not superior, vibration damping.
  • Conformability and temperature range: Moderate performance in these areas may make other materials more suitable for critical applications.

However, for many applications, Ensolite offers outstanding performance at a lower price point than premium materials, making it an exceptional value.

SRP: How we customize Ensolite closed cell foam 

At SRP, we’re your all-in-one partner for customized gaskets and seals made from closed cell foam and other materials. 

  • Material sourcing: Quality and control are assured when you partner with SRP. We source Ensolite from Rubberlite, one of our longtime suppliers of foam and rubber materials. 
  • Tape lamination: We’ll source and apply your chosen pressure sensitive adhesive to your Ensolite sheet material with a focus on quality to optimize bonding performance. 
  • Precision die-cutting: We’ll use our advanced techniques and decades of experience to fabricate the tape-Ensolite composite into reliable custom adhesive-backed gaskets. 

For all your custom gasket needs, partner with SRP. Contact us today for a fast, accurate quote.