EPDM and Neoprene have earned their reputations as being durable, all-purpose gasket materials. Whether the goal is to make a tight protective seal or silence annoying vibrations, these flexible synthetic rubber gasket materials can be safely used in many industrial and consumer applications.

These materials sometimes get confused for one another, but the choice often comes down to price and properties. EPDM provides an excellent electrical insulator, while Neoprene is more chemical resistant and makes a good thermal insulator.

Neoprene is an elastomer that is also called chloroprene, and is made of a combination of carbon, hydrogen and chlorine polymers. EPDM is an acronym for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, a synthetic rubber that’s derived from polyethylene.

In the following, we’ll unpack the similarities and differences between Neoprene and EPDM to get you started on choosing the best material to make a strong, safe seal.

How are Neoprene and EPDM similar?

Excellent outdoor application

Neoprene and EPDM both withstand outdoor conditions extremely well, withstanding ozone and ultra-violet rays. They also maintain their flexibility, even in extremely cold outdoor temperatures, down to -70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can also weather extremely hot days, enduring for years even in the harshest climates.

Noise and vibration resistance

EPDM and Neoprene both provide excellent noise resistance, dampening the force of sound and vibrations for the end user.

Tough and rugged

Both Neoprene and EPDM rubber are rugged elastomers, with excellent resistance to rips and abrasions.

Tolerate compression

Neoprene and EPDM are rated as having a good pressure set, giving them the ability to maintain their fabricated form, even after compression and elongation.

What are the top advantages of EPDM over Neoprene?

Blocks electrical interference

The chemical properties of EPDM make it an excellent electrical insulator as it blocks electrical interference from entering a component, protecting the products as well as the people using them.

[For a deeper dive read Identifying the proper electrical enclosure gasket]

Resists water and steam

Though Neoprene is water resistant, EPDM is considered the most water resistant of the elastomers, as it doesn’t swell or react to water. EPDM maintains a tight, safe seal, without leaching chemicals.

Withstands higher temperatures

EPDM withstands temperatures as high as 220 degrees F for sponge rubber, up to 250+ degrees for sheet rubber.

Less expensive

From a price point, EPDM is usually the less expensive material compared to Neoprene.

EPDM is resistant to:

• Diluted acids
• Diluted alkalis
• Phosphates
• Polar solvents
• Ketones
• Fireproof hydraulic acids

EPDM is not compatible with:

• Oils, greases and fats (otherwise it becomes swollen)
• Concentrated acid
• Halogenated solvents
• Hydrocarbon fuels
• Aromatic hydrocarbons

[Looking for the right adhesive? Read our blog: Choosing the proper adhesive for an adhesive backed gasket]

How does Neoprene differ from EPDM?

Excels as a thermal insulator

Neoprene is an excellent material when it comes to blocking the conduction of heat from one component to the next.

Oil resistant

Neoprene’s main advantages over EPDM is its resistance to fats, grease and oil. Unlike EPDM, there’s no swelling after exposure to these substances.

Resistant to refrigerants

Neoprene can stand up to Freon and ammonia, making it a reliable seal for refrigeration components.

Chemical resistant

Neoprene was developed to resist many types of chemicals and solvents.

[Learn more in Neoprene gaskets – types and applications]

Neoprene is not compatible with:

• Aromatic and oxygenated solvents
• Esters
• Ketones
• Chlorinated, aromatic and nitro hydrocarbons

Before selecting the right gasket material for your product, conduct a chemical analysis of the components to help you determine whether Neoprene or EPDM would function as ideal gaskets for your product.

To learn more about our proven sealing capabilities, contact SRP and request a quote.

What’s it like to collaborate with SRP to create a custom gasket for your project? At SRP, we take the partnership approach with each customer. In the following, we’ll show you who we are, and our approach to making each project a success.

SRP is a family-run custom gasket manufacturer

We can’t talk about ourselves without touching on our history. SRP was founded in 1951. Now that we’re in our eighth decade of business here in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, we’ve seen many changes over the years. But we’re still independently owned and operated, transitioning into our third generation, and that’s something to celebrate. Not only that, but three other families in our workforce of 50 have also built their careers here.

This success wouldn’t be possible if SRP weren’t doing something right. We arrive each day as a tight-knit team that’s vested in the success of every project that comes in. We know your success is our success.

The evolution of SRP as a custom gasket manufacturer

Our company started out as Standard Rubber Products. Today, we’re known as SRP because we’ve taken things beyond the basic rubber gasket:

• Materials: We work with a wide range of elastomeric materials, including neoprene, EPDM, silicone, polyurethane, as well as electrical insulation materials, and many more.
• Adhesives: SRP is a preferred converter for 3M^™, which enhances our technical expertise, quality and value.
• Die-cutting solutions: With our expertise, we’ll help you select a cutting process to optimize costs and quality of your gasket.
• Industries and products: Our gaskets are designed for a wide range of products that people use every day, including: electrical products, appliances, industrial machines, medical equipment, consumer products, military and defense, power tools and many more.

Though we’ve evolved to work with sophisticated materials and complex gasket shapes, we still live by one business basic: We know your business is riding on the seal we help you create. Our commitment is making a custom gasket that works for your product.

What’s the SRP advantage?

Our point of pride is in how we partner across many industries as well as companies of just about any size. This includes a number of Fortune 100 companies and here are a couple of reasons why.

• Fast quotes: Once we have a detailed plan for the materials and cutting process, your quote will arrive in less than two business days.
• Nimble processes: When your design team collaborates with SRP, our expertise across multiple industries and sealing materials ensures a smooth and seamless partnership.

At the same time, SRP is small” enough to provide personalized service. We find that companies of any size find value in that and it keeps them coming back.

• Your SRP account manager has visibility and communication across the entire organization. When you need an update or have a concern about your project, getting answers and solutions is a fast and seamless process.

Getting started on your custom gasket project

SRP maintains no standard products and has no off-the-shelf items. Each gasket design is designed and customized for the specific product. Often, this process starts in one of two ways:

• Detailed specifications for a fast start: Some customers, particularly well-established companies with on-staff engineers, provide a complete conception of their desired gasket that details all the materials and dimensions needed for the project. After a brief consultation, we can recommend a cutting process and set up a quote.
• Complete design collaboration: If you lack the technical and materials expertise to set up a gasket project, don’t worry! Our team is here to help. We can provide samples and create prototypes, so you can move forward knowing you have the right seal for your product.

To learn more about our proven sealing capabilities, contact SRP and request a quote.

Thermal Interface Materials are a critical aspect in the design of electronic components, making the difference between a working product and a faulty product. The purpose of Thermal Interface Pads is to provide a preferential heat transfer path between heat-generating components like integrated circuit chips (CPUs) and heat spreaders such as a heat sink.

If you take a close look at the surface of a CPU or a heat sink, the surface will never be entirely even or level. There will be minuscule bumps, spaces and gaps between the two that will allow for air to pass through the components. Since air is not a good conductor of heat, these gaps have a very negative effect on the heat transfer.

Thus, a Thermal Interface Material with high thermal conductivity is needed to fill those gaps to improve heat conductivity between the CPU and heat sink.

What are thermal interface materials?

Thermal interface materials transfer heat from one surface to another. Ultimately, the goal is to dissipate heat generated from an electrical or mechanical component and into a heat sink, which is usually made of aluminum, copper or even ceramic. The heat sink is deeply ridged, creating air gaps between the ridges, creating an ideal format to dissipate heat.

Some thermal interface materials solve a common problem in machinery and electrical components. All too frequently, there are rough, uneven and wavy surfaces, making it difficult to establish the needed surface contact to create sufficient thermal conductivity to get it to flow away from the component. That’s when thermal interface materials serve as gap fillers. It’s specially cut and fitted to create a tight-fitting connection between the two elements, filling the air pockets with thermally conductive material.

Thermal interface materials connect the component, allowing the heat to flow from the component and into the heat sink. There are a number of materials and solutions to transfer this heat, but the two most common are thermal interface units and thermal paste.

How to apply thermal interface materials

Applying thermal interface pads

A thermal interface pad is most often a silicone pad joined to a heat sink. The silicone pad provides thermal conduction that transfers heat from the component to the heat sink. Applying the thermal pad is a simple matter of peeling the adhesive backing on the silicone and sticking to the silicone pad.

Applying thermal paste

Applying thermal paste is a matter of applying a thin line of thermal paste on one component, allowing the weight of the heat sink to spread the paste as you join the materials. Thermal paste is made of thermally conductive materials, such as metallic elements, ceramic or silicone.

Advantages of Thermal Interface Pads Vs. Thermal Paste

No Mess

Applying thermal paste can be a messy process. Thermal Pad installation is simply peel and stick.

Fills Bigger Gaps

Thermal Pads are available up to .25 inches, as opposed to the thin layer of thermal paste.

Even Application

Thermal paste takes skill and precision to apply evenly and in just the right amount. On one hand, you need enough coverage to conduct the heat. On the other hand, applying too much product would result in messes and waste.

Easier Installation

Thermal Pads can be custom die-cut to the exact specification of the component for a perfect fit, every time.

Conformity

Thermal Pads conform precisely to uneven and irregular surfaces to eliminate gaps. The silicone layer of the thermal pad becomes softer and more pliable in higher temperatures; by applying light pressure, you can achieve an even snugger fit.

Faster Assembly

Thermal paste has a curing process, which means there’s a wait for the substance to harden so the assembled item can be moved or handled. The curing that accompanies thermal paste adds time to the assembly and occupies work space.

Important Aspects to Consider When Choosing A Thermal Interface Material

When developing electrical components, the design and engineering teams should work closely together to determine key design and functionality factors:

• The amount of electricity that would be generated from the components
• Identify any gaps early in the design phase to prevent design changes down the road

Doing this could save a lot of time and money when it comes to prototyping and testing.

Application mistakes with Thermal Interface Materials

When using Thermal Interface Materials, steer clear of these common application errors.

• Never combine Thermal Pads and Thermal Pastes. Thermal Paste will reduce the thermal conductivity to pass through the Thermal Pad to reach the heat sink.
• Avoid stacking Thermal Pads. This will decrease the material’s performance. One Thermal Pad with the correct thickness and thermal conductivity rating is all that is required to solve even the most stringent application issues.
• If you ever remove a heat sink, the Thermal Pad will need to be replaced to properly conform to the surface. Be sure to remove any debris that may have entered the component as well.

SRP: BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH CONVERTING SOLUTIONS SINCE 1951

SRP provides customers with everything from material sampling and product prototyping to full manufacturing, packaging and delivery. We provide value to our customers by delivering exceptional customer service, engineering solutions and quality products to meet their every need.

For more information, you can reach SRP at info@srpco.com or 847.593.5630.

Ready for a quote? Show us your design and we’ll get you an answer in less than two business days.

NO FASTENERS. NO WELDS. NO RIVETS.

We are living in a time when automobiles are constantly changing. Not just the design, but the way they are manufactured. The system in which automobiles are being produced is also evolving.

With technology evolving at a rapid rate, manufacturing and assembly of automobiles is becoming more and more efficient every year. Whether it’s automation or manual assembly, companies are looking for the next method to increase speed and reduce expenses without sacrificing safety.

It has long been known that the use of fasteners, welds and rivets is becoming obsolete for interior and exterior applications in automotive and recreational vehicles. They simply do not provide the performance, aesthetics or ease of installation compared to the competition.

AUTOMOTIVE FOAM TAPE: YOUR BEST BET

Enter foam tapes as your solution to rivets, screws and welds. Foam tapes are not a new technology. In fact, they have been around for decades. What is new, however, are emerging applications for foam tapes. As foam tapes evolve, they find their way into new industries for different uses, including sealing gaskets for electronics, attaching glass panels to skyscrapers, and bonding nameplates and logos to various substrates.

Because acrylic foam tape eliminates the need for fasteners, welds and rivets, it can transform the performance, efficiency and price for a variety of applications.

Benefits of automotive foam tapes by 3M^™

Acrylic foam tape from 3M^™ is more than just a tape. Decades of sophisticated engineering have resulted in a standard-bearing bonding system designed to create a strong, enduring bond that resists degradation from environmental conditions. For that reason, 3M^™ acrylic foam tape is ideal for automotive applications.

Using custom cut 3M^™ automotive foam tape in place of mechanical fasteners:

• Results in a lighter, more streamlined component
• Enhances the look of your product
• Maintains the integrity of the seal.

Not only that, but using 3M^™ automotive foam tape in your custom converted product will also result in meaningful savings in time and labor.

Mechanical benefits of Acrylic Foam Tapes by 3M^™

3M^™ foam tapes are made with a viscoelastic formula that allows the adhesive to flow into the surface while building strength, lending it robust shear and peel strength properties with a long-lasting performance that automotive components demand.

• The foam core of 3M^™ acrylic foam tape has unique stress-relaxation properties, allowing it to expand and contract with temperature changes.
• Adhesive is engineered for elongation and stress relaxation.
• Foam core is designed to dissipate stress forces when exposed to high stress load.
• Flexible foam core of double-stick acrylic foam tape allows tape to conform to irregular surfaces and gaps.
• Acrylic adhesive resists exposure to temperature fluctuations, weather conditions, UV rays and solvents during the life of the product, making it well suited to automotive applications.

Assembly benefits of automotive acrylic foam tape

Replacing rivets and other mechanical fasteners on automotive components with acrylic foam tape can improve uptime and throughput in the assembly process:

• Acrylic foam tape can be die-cut into intricate shapes, and attached to elastomeric materials for easy peel-and-stick attachment when assembling automotive components.
• Lack of drilling and riveting reduces the need for training and labor, along with the risk of injury.
• Assembly of acrylic foam tape can be completed manually or with automation.
• Tapes require no drying and curing, and reach handling strength shortly after application.
• Streamlining of processes and materials results in less labor and costs.

Aesthetic benefits of 3M^™ Acrylic Foam Tape

Automotive foam tape streamlines and improves the appearance and function of the design.

• Eliminates the need to use unsightly bolts, rivets and screws.
• Smoother surface creates attractive, aerodynamic design.
• Elimination of mechanical fasteners greatly reduces opportunities to develop rust when exposed to rain and other weather events.
• Reduces the need to drill into automotive painted surfaces.
• Ability to absorb sound and vibration reduces rattling and muffles sounds, creating a more pleasant experience for the end-user.

The 3M^™ advantage

Using 3M^™ Acrylic Foam Tape for your automotive custom converter product has several important advantages.

• Backed by a full range of support services for automotive applications.
• Assurance that performance of the adhesive meets the product and design engineering requirements of the automotive application.
• Has satisfied the requirements of specific automotive model program requirements since 1978.
• Read more about the benefits of using a 3M^™ bonding system in your custom converter product.

Top applications of 3M^™ Acrylic Foam Tape

The following are typical automotive applications of 3M^™ Acrylic Foam Tape:

• Attachment of trim parts
• Bonding seals throughout the car body
• Door and window seals
• Door cladding and inlay
• Roof rails
• Spoiler
• Rocker panel / body side molding
• Parking sensor retainers

ACRYLIC FOAM TAPES FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

3M^™ Acrylic Plus Tape Series PT1000

This black, double-coated acrylic foam is designed to attach automotive exterior trim parts, including claddings and body side moldings.

3M^™ Tape Series PT1000 offers the following key features:

• High conformability
• Black, high-strength core with low elongation properties
• Cold temperature impact resistance
• Easy liner release

3M^™ Acrylic Foam Tape GT7108

3M^™ Acrylic Foam Tape GT7108 is suited for attaching emblems, nameplates, moldings, step pads and other automotive trim. When applied to traditional paints, this gray, acrylic foam tape has very good adhesion.

3M^™ Acrylic Foam Tape GT7108 offers the following features:

• Demonstrates excellent conformability and wet out on a range of automotive applications
• Maintains adhesion during the shrinkage and elongation of the part caused by temperature changes, while simultaneously maintaining good stress relaxation properties
• Provides very good final adhesion and peel strength
• Performs well in a wide range of weather, solvent and temperature conditions

3M^™ Acrylic Foam Tape RT8012US

The 3M^™ Acrylic Foam Tape GT7108 was developed for automotive applications, specifically for attaching trim and other exterior parts.

Its acrylic adhesive formula is designed to apply to a wide range of automotive paint systems.

3M^™ Acrylic Foam Tape RT8012US offers the following features:

• Excellent adhesion to traditional auto paint and many advanced paint systems.
• Supports heavier parts including spoilers and claddings.
• Provides stress relaxation when exposed to high loads and maintains tight bond-line aesthetics under normal conditions.
• Helps ensure good bond-line appearance.
• One-piece release and efficient tape application.

SRP has provided custom gasket fabrication and die-cutting services since 1951. SRP is a Preferred Converter of 3M^™‘s line of pressure sensitive adhesives and foam tapes in the converter markets.

For more information about 3M^™‘s line of Acrylic Foam Tapes, you can visit our website, or call us at 847.593.5630.

What are foam gaskets?

Foam gasket material is a versatile solution that provides superior barrier and bonding capabilities for a wide range of products and applications. Available in Polyurethane, Neoprene, EPDM and silicone, SRP can custom design and die cut foam gaskets to create a seal that’s compatible with the application.

Common applications for foam gaskets:

• Gasketing
• Cushioning
• Sealing
• Mounting
• Insulation
• Noise reduction
• Vibration control
• Electrical absorption
• Fluid restriction
• Weather resistance

Foam gaskets can be applied to wide range of industries. Some of these include:

• Appliance
• Automotive
• HVAC
• Medical
• Electronic
• Lighting

Open cell vs. closed cell foam gaskets

Foam gasket material comes in a range of cell structures, from open cell to closed cell. Open cell foam gaskets are primarily used for shock or vibration applications. Closed cell foam gaskets are used primarily for environmental seals where the material would be exposed to challenging outdoor conditions, such as sunlight, dust, cold and moisture.

Types of foam gaskets

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.

Silicone foam gaskets

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 is used in these industries:

• Electronics
• Industrial
• Aerospace
• Construction
• Automotive
• Medical
• Consumer products
• HVAC

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 electrical interference, offering protection to electrical components and the end users.

Top industries for EPDM foam gaskets:

• Appliances
• HVAC
• Electrical
• Construction
• Automotive

Closed Cell Neoprene foam gaskets

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

SRP’s Custom Foam Gasket Manufacturing

Our sponge and foam gasket fabrication services can include more than supplying you with the foam gasket you need. We can 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 illustrates our commitment to the success of our customers. Choose SRP for your sponge and foam gaskets. We create die-cut solutions to meet your needs.

With an excellent reputation for quality and customer service, we are a solution-focused company that is available to help you with your unique gasket needs. Do you need gaskets in another material besides foam? We can also help with Neoprene, silicone rubber and many others, including high-temperature gaskets and chemical-resistant solutions.

GET A QUOTE

Neoprene is an extremely versatile material that can be found in virtually every industry, including industrial, electronic, medical and scientific.

It can be die-cut and converted into custom gaskets and seals with pressure-sensitive adhesive options. Neoprene is usually supplied in a sheet or a roll.

What is Neoprene?

Neoprene is an elastomer, a synthetic rubber designed to be flexible, durable and resilient. Also known by its chemical name chloroprene, Neoprene is composed of polymers made of carbon, hydrogen and chlorine.

Why use Neoprene for gaskets and sealing?

Neoprene’s reputation as an all-purpose polymer comes from its long-lasting resistance to tough environmental conditions and its high compressibility, making this elastomer an ideal material for sealing applications.

Benefits of Neoprene gaskets

• Water resistant
• Weather resistant
• Thermal and moisture insulation
• Cushioning and protection
• Lightweight
• Chemical and oil resistant
• Compression resistance

Types of Neoprene Gaskets

A neoprene gasket can come in solid synthetic rubber, sponge or foam, making it an ideal all-purpose material with uses in a broad range of projects. As you consider the desired durometer (hardness and density) of the Neoprene material, keep in mind that different formulations of Neoprene will affect its properties, such as tensile range and compression set.

Solid Neoprene Rubber

A rubber Neoprene gasket can be custom cut from a solid sheet to seal machine doors or to make a weatherproof seal for outdoor equipment enclosures. Because Neoprene resists moisture, oxidation and UV rays, it can stand up to harsh weather conditions, lasting for many years. Simple and fast to die cut, a synthetic rubber Neoprene gasket can be used with a pressure-sensitive adhesive backing.

Applications for solid Neoprene rubber

• Cushioning
• Flame barrier
• Gap filling
• Gasketing and sealing
• LED lighting
• Shock absorption and vibration control
• Thermal

Closed Cell Foam Neoprene Gaskets

A closed foam Neoprene gasket comes in a broad range of thickness and construction, and is often used for environmental sealing, and they’re frequently used for HVAC, automotive and electrical applications.

When used in outdoor equipment enclosures, closed cell foam Neoprene gaskets can effectively seal out dust, dirt and moisture from entering the unit, preventing wear and damage to mechanical parts. Because the material stands up to weather conditions, from UV rays to the hottest temperatures, it provides a long-lasting, durable seal.

Neoprene resists other materials it can be exposed to in an electrical unit, such as oil, refrigeration and solvents.

Applications for closed foam Neoprene gaskets

• Cushioning
• Sound and shock absorption
• Environmental sealing
• Gap filling

Learn more about Closed Cell Foam Neoprene Gaskets

Closed Cell Sponge Neoprene Gaskets

Closed cell sponge Neoprene gaskets have a wide range of uses, from cushioning to vibration control to gaskets. Available in soft, medium and firm densities, Neoprene material is lightweight and durable, standing up to weather conditions, including rain, ice, ozone and UV rays. Closed cell sponge Neoprene also meets certain flame ratings, making it ideal for sealing and cushioning electronic components, while also resisting acids, oils and other solvents.

Applications for closed cell sponge Neoprene gaskets

• Cushioning
• Gap filling
• Gasketing and sealing
• LED lighting
• Shock absorption and vibration control

Learn more about Closed Cell Sponge Neoprene

Open Cell Sponge Neoprene Gaskets

Open cell sponge Neoprene gaskets are often used to absorb shock, sound and vibrations. These come in a variety of degrees of thickness, hardness and grades. This elastomeric material recovers to its fabricated shape after compression and elongation, and is tough and durable when exposed to environmental conditions. This material is also resistant to exposure to petroleum products. Its anti-slip properties hold components in place, making it a good choice for gap filling.

Applications for open cell sponge Neoprene

• Cushioning
• Shock absorption
• Sound absorption
• Environmental sealing
• Gap filling

Ready to get started on your gasket project?

The Neoprene gasket offers a variety of solutions for many different applications. This is an extremely versatile material that can handle some of the toughest conditions.

At Standard Rubber Products Co. (SRP), we custom design gaskets and seals using a variety of materials for customers in many industries. We provide services to the following industries: electronics, industrial, automotive, medical, HVAC, lighting, aviation, aerospace, furniture and more.

Our dedicated team of engineers are ready to assist you with your next project and provide you with the expertise and quality materials for parts and components that meet your exact specifications.

At the end of the month, SRP will travel to Novi, Michigan to attend the Foam Expo for the fourth consecutive year. The show will take place at the Suburban Collection Showplace from August 25-27.

Foam Expo is North America’s dedicated free-to-attend exhibition and conference for the technical foam industry. The exhibition will unite manufacturers and buyers of technical foam materials, products and services and will serve the entire foam manufacturing industry, including raw materials, chemicals, manufacture and process equipment and all associated services over three unmissable days.

SRP provides custom fabrication and die-cutting solutions to customers from a variety of industries, supplying custom foam components for numerous applications. We will be showcasing our ability to convert high quality foam materials into custom gaskets, strips and seals from top material manufacturers.

If you plan to attend, stop by booth #2520 to ask our veteran sales representatives Frank Marino and Tom Cerone any questions you may have.

Venue address

Halls A, B & C
Suburban Collection Showplace
46100 Grand River Ave
Novi, MI 48374, USA

Show Hours

Tuesday August 25 – 09:30 – 15:30
Wednesday August 27 – 09:30 – 15:30
Thursday August 28 – 09:30 – 13:00

For more information about the show, you can visit http://www.foam-expo.com/

3M^™ Thermal Management materials are designed to solve a wide range of heat related challenges, efficiently and economically. 3M^™ Thermal Gap Pads are soft, conformable thermal interface pads with high thermal conductivity and dielectric strength. 3M^™ Thermal Gap Pads are used between heat generating components to aid in the transfer of heat that keeps the electronic protected and gives them the ability to run cooler and longer.

All 3M^™ Thermal Gap Pads are UL listed and available in both acrylic and silicone varieties. Although silicone is a great option, there has been a major supply disruption going on in the thermal market and silicone gap pad customers are being affected greatly. If you are in the market for, or are currently using silicone Thermal Gap Pads, it may be worth looking into an acrylic Thermal Gap Pad.

The Benefits of Acrylic Vs. Silicone Thermal Gap Pads

The decision as to whether or not you will need to use an acrylic or silicone Gap Pad will be based on the specs of the application. To determine if acrylic is the right 3M^™ Thermally Conductive Interface Pad material for you, see selection guide below.

3M^™‘s most commonly offered Acrylic Interface Gap Pad materials include the 5590H and 5571. 3M^™ 5590H can decrease the load to integrated circuit chips during compression, and provides good tack on many surfaces. These properties lead to a high performance non-silicone based thermal pad. 3M^™ pad 5571 consists of a highly conformable, slightly tacky acrylic elastomeric sheet filled with conductive ceramic particles.

3M^™ Acrylic Gap Pads 5590H & 5571 typically offer the following benefits:

• Lower cost alternative to Silicone
• Similar Thermal Conductivity performance to Silicone
• Halogen Free
• UL VO
• Supplied in Roll format for reduced scrap
• Stocked in the USA
• 5590H has a 3W/m-K Thermal Conductivity
• 5571 is tested at 2W/m-K

SRP: Building Relationships through Converting Solutions Since 1951

SRP provides customers with everything from material sampling and product prototyping to full manufacturing, packaging, and delivery. We provide value to our customers by delivering exceptional customer service, engineering solutions, and quality products to meet their every need.

For more information, you can reach SRP at info@srpco.com or 847-593-5630.

Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSA’s) are commonly used in conjunction with adhesive backed gaskets and seals. Whether the purpose is to form a structural bond, act as a manufacturing aid, or improve the sealing performance of an irregular surface, choosing the best adhesive system for an application is important. PSA’s are the most common adhesive types for gaskets. Typically supplied on the gasket, the assembler then removes a release liner to press-fit the gasket in place.

Key considerations when selecting a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive:

• Adhesion Properties – What is the gasket adhering to? Metal? Plastic?
• Temperature Capabilities – What temperature range is required?
• Chemical Compatibility – Will the adhesive be exposed to any chemicals?
• Dimensional Stability – Do you need to eliminate stretching for assembly?
• Weather Resistance – Will the adhesive be exposed to outdoor elements?
• Special Properties – Does the adhesive need to be electrically/thermally conductive, flame retardant?

PSA’s typically come in the following formulations:

• Acrylic Based – Adheres well to most gasketing materials and surfaces while offering a good operating temperature range (-50°F/-46ºC to +350°F/+177ºC intermittent)
• Silicone Based – Adheres well to silicone elastomers and fair to other surfaces. Silicone adhesives offer the widest operating temperature range, (-80°F/-62ºC to +450°F/+232ºC) but are also the highest cost.
• Rubber Based – For general use applications, typically lower performance and lower cost. Typical intermittent operating temperature range of (+50°F/10ºC to +150°F/10ºC).

 

Common Pressure Sensitive Adhesives Offered by SRP:

• 3M^™ 200MP – 467MP, 468MP, 9495MP, 9492MP, 9667MP
• 3M^™ 300MP – 9775WL, 9690, 9832
• 3M^™ 300 – 9472
• 3M^™ 300LSE Series – 9471LE, 9472LE, 9490LE, 9653LE, 9672LE
• 3M^™ L1+DCP
• 3M^™ Double Coated Tape 9741M
• 3M^™ Adhesive Transfer Tape F9465PC, 9460PC, 97053
• 3M^™ Electrically Conductive – 9713, 9719
• 3M^™ VHB^™ F9469PC
• Adchem – 256M, 5944M
• Avery – EZ-8, 8302, FASTAPE D
• Flexcon DLC503
• Sekisui 5782
• Nitto 500

At SRP, everything we manufacture is custom for each and every order. There are countless combinations of adhesive and gasket materials that can be made to create the ideal solution to any application. For more information please call us at 847-593-5630 or email to sales@srpco.com.

SRP Zhuhai has been focusing their efforts on promoting the company to the local Asian market. Considering the number of people that are connected to the web in China, the decision to invest in digital marketing was something that was necessary in order to take the company to the next level.

Total internet users in China has been significantly increasing every year since 2006. In 2018, over 57% of the population were actively using the internet, with the number of users exceeding 800 million. To compare, the United States has an estimated 300 million internet users.

Our goal is to promote additional visibility for our China facility and open up new markets and opportunities,” says Frank Marino, SRP’s Global Account Executive. “We plan to highlight our current products and services and use our new well-focused online image to promote new materials and converting capabilities as they become available.”

SRP Zhuhai’s marketing efforts are based around a new website designed to provide potential customers with an experience that will allow them to make quick, educated decisions. Once decisions are made, users are able to contact the company directly via inquiry forms, phone, email and instant messaging apps WeChat and Tencent QQ.

Of the 800 million internet users in China, 98% of those users are using mobile. SRP Zhuhai’s new website is fully responsive, meaning the site is mobile friendly for all cellular and tablet devices. In a fast-paced country, having mobile apps WeChat and QQ integrated on the website offers users the ability to start an immediate conversation with the company.

The digital marketing plan was all made possible by marketing agency Market Me China located in the UK. “We simply could not have implemented the plan without the expertise of Market Me China,” says Nick Gualano, SRP’s Marketing Manager. “They really streamlined the whole process and made sure everything was completed on time and within budget.”

SRP Zhuhai was established in 2006 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Rubber Products Co. (SRP), operating under an ISO 9001-2015 quality certification. The manufacturing facility is staffed by an established local management team offering a decade of in-country experience in the converter markets industry.

Visit www.srpco.com.cn for more information regarding the custom products and services offered by SRP Zhuhai.