Custom Foam Gaskets: Your Complete Guide to Materials, Applications and Benefits
What are foam gaskets?
Foam gaskets offer excellent barrier and bonding performance across a wide range of applications. SRP sources premium materials — including silicone, EPDM and neoprene — and uses precision die-cutting to produce custom foam gaskets designed to make your application or product complete and functional.
Top applications for foam gaskets:
- Gasketing
- Cushioning
- Sealing
- Mounting
- Insulation
- Noise reduction
- Vibration control
- Electrical absorption
- Fluid restriction
- Weather resistance
Foam gaskets are used in just about any industry, including:
- Appliance
- Automotive
- HVAC
- Medical
- Electronic
- Lighting
What is the difference between open-cell and closed cell foam gaskets?
Foam gasket material comes in a range of cell structures, primarily open cell and closed cell.
Open cell foam gaskets are primarily used for shock or vibration applications.
Closed cell foam gaskets are used for environmental seals, especially when the material is exposed to challenging outdoor conditions, such as sunlight, dust, cold and moisture.
Types of foam gaskets: Comparing silicone, EPDM and neoprene
As you choose a foam gasket material, it’s important to make sure it can stand up to the environment and media it will be exposed to, including temperature, moisture, UV rays, chemicals and solvents. The following can help you get started in narrowing your selection.
When to choose a silicone foam gasket
Silicone foam is a pliable, flexible, high-performance material that’s extremely versatile, providing many solutions across a wide berth of products and industries.
Silicone foam provides excellent electrical insulation, is an effective flame retardant and it’s a high-temperature gasket material in comparison to Neoprene and EPDM. In terms of durability, silicone foam has good tensile strength and excellent compression set, it maintains flexibility in cold temperatures and resists UV rays.
Silicone foam gaskets are used in these industries:
- Electronics
- Industrial
- Aerospace
- Construction
- Automotive
- Medical
- Consumer products
- HVAC
What are the benefits of using EPDM foam gaskets?
EPDM foam is a versatile, all-purpose material that has several unique applications in several industries. Available in closed cell or semi-closed cell, it maintains its pliability even after prolonged exposure to environmental conditions.
It also has a good compression set, reverting to its original shape after pressure and stretching. Along with hot temperature resistance, up to 220 F, it has excellent water resistance, and is best suited for wet and steamy conditions compared to other foams.
EPDM foam is an excellent material for blocking electromagnetic interference (EMI), offering protection to electrical components and the end users.
Top industries for EPDM foam gaskets:
- Appliances
- HVAC
- Electrical
- Construction
- Automotive
Why choose Neoprene for your foam gasket material?
Closed-cell Neoprene foam gaskets are the go-to as a form-fitting, pliable but long-lasting seal for electrical components.
Because Neoprene is resistant to UV rays, heat, cold and moisture, it is effective at sealing out the elements, as well as any dust and dirt.
Neoprene foam’s resistance to oils, refrigerants and many chemicals makes it well suited for electronic applications. Neoprene foam is also effective at absorbing sound and vibration. When fastened with an adhesive backing, it’s an effective solution for unwanted noise and buzzing.
Top industries for closed cell Neoprene foam gaskets:
- Appliances
- HVAC
- Electrical
- Construction
- Automotive
[Explore our selection of sheet rubber gaskets featuring Neoprene and EPDM.]
SRP’s Custom Foam Gasket Manufacturing
At SRP, we don’t don’t just make gaskets. We also help with design assistance, material selection, prototyping and more. We are an experienced company that is quality-focused and our more than half a century in business demonstrates our commitment to the success of our customers. We’re a preferred supplier of Rubberlite and Rogers Corporation ensuring you get access to premium materials that perform.
Choose SRP for your sponge and foam gaskets. We’re independently owned and operated, with U.S. based manufacturing in our Elk Grove Village, Illinois facility. To get a quote, fill out the form or call us — you’ll have an answer in less than one business day.