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. 

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 and is usually supplied in a sheet or roll.

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 Neoprene an ideal material for gasketing.

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.

[Read Top 5 Considerations For Custom Gasket Materials]

Solid Neoprene rubber for custom gaskets 

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 gaskets 

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

[For further reading: EPDM vs Neoprene: Which synthetic rubber is best for your gasket?]

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

Explore our Closed Cell Foam Neoprene Gasket materials 

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

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 SRP, we custom design gaskets and seals using a variety of materials for customers in many industries. 

• We’re a preferred supplier of Rubberlite ensuring access to high-performance premium materials. 
• We’re independently owned and operated, with U.S. based manufacturing in our Elk Grove Village, Illinois facility. 

Ready to get started on your next project?  Simply fill out the online form or give us a call – you’ll get a fast, accurate quote within one business day! 

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/

Heat is the enemy of electronic devices. To prevent premature damage and extend device life, heat needs an exit strategy. When it comes to preventing heat buildup in sensitive components, thermal gap pads can play a critical role. 

Effective thermal gap materials are well worth the investment, and interface pads offer advantages that can save both time and money. Unlike thermal paste, thermal interface pads offer key advantages by simplifying and speeding up assembly — simply peel the liner, apply and you’re done. 

For significant cost savings, weighing acrylic gap pads vs silicone counterparts can be worth a look. If acrylic gap pads are both safe and suitable for your application, why overpay for silicone? In fact, certain high performance acrylic gap pads can match or exceed the performance of a silicone product and come with significant cost savings.

Silicone and acrylic gap pads: How they manage the heat 

Thermal gap pads are soft, conformable polymers blended with thermal materials that come with a tacky surface. They are designed to fill the small air gaps between heat-producing components and heat sinks. Because air is a poor conductor of heat, a gap pad effectively replaces trapped air, reducing thermal resistance and helping the device run cooler and longer.

Manufactured by 3M™ and other brands, both silicone and acrylic thermally conductive interface pads offer several benefits:

• Conformable – Easily adapts to surfaces, eliminating small gaps for improved heat transfer.
• Simpler assembly – Unlike thermal paste, gap pads offer an easy, no-mess application.
• Convenient formats – Available in sheets and rolls, they can be precision die-cut to fit different interface and heat sink designs.
• Long-term stability – Unlike thermal paste or phase change materials, solid-state gap pads last longer and don’t require frequent replacement.

Thermally conductive interface materials (also known as TIMs) are just one example of thermal management materials that SRP custom converts to prevent overheating in electronic devices, which you can learn about in our blog.  

Silicone gap pads vs. acrylic gap pads: A side-by-side comparison 

Wondering if acrylic is a viable alternative to silicone for your thermally conductive interface material? As always, it depends on the application and key performance factors. To help you get started, this comparison chart provides a high-level look at how silicone performance stacks up against acrylic. 

Property	Silicone gap pads	Acrylic gap pads
Thermal conductivity	High: High performance materials can reach 6 W/m-K.	Moderate: Some products have a similar performance to silicone counterparts, upper range is usually around 3.0 W/m-K.
Temperature stability	High: Maintains flexibility after exposure.	Moderate: Can stiffen after prolonged exposure to higher temperatures.
Compression & conformability	Excellent: More flexible and better contact small gaps and varied surfaces allow for better heat dissipation.	Moderate to excellent: Typically less flexible, but high-performance alternates are soft and pliable, reducing stress on delicate components.
Outgassing	Higher: Silicone can release siloxane gases when exposed to higher operating temperatures, which can contaminate or degrade sensitive components.	Minimal: Halogen free and no outgassing, ideal for optical, automotive and high-end electronics.
Electrical insulation (dielectric strength)	Excellent: Strong insulation properties through elevated operating temperatures.	Good: Meets most insulation requirements within optimal temperature range.
Flame retardancy	Good: Some products rated UL94 V2, others rated UL V0.	Good: Some products rated UL94 V2, others rated UL V0.
Durability and aging	Resilient, maintains flexibility over time.	Good, but can stiffen over time and exposure to elevated temperatures.
Availability and lead time	Can be subject to supply chain issues, leading to longer lead times.	Readily available, can be a faster alternative in a pinch.
Cost	Higher: Premium material with a higher price point.	Lower: Can be a cost-effective alternative in the absence of performance trade-offs.

When to choose acrylic gap pads over silicone

In a nutshell, silicone gap pads typically offer better conformability and higher temperature resistance, which are critical performance factors when your components generate a high amount of heat. 

However, when outgassing, cost and lead time are overriding concerns, acrylic products can meet or exceed performance requirements — saving time and money.

Keep in mind, there are exceptions, and performance varies widely by product. Consider high-performance acrylic pads, such as 3M™ 5590H. These are designed to match or outperform certain silicone products – saving you time and money. 

To learn more, download our data sheets for 3M acrylic gap pads.

Partner with SRP for custom thermal management solutions 

Need help choosing the right thermal gap pad? Contact SRP to talk to an expert. Fill out our online form or give us a call — you’ll hear from us within one business day. 

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.

Foam Expo is free to attend!

Next month SRP will travel to Novi, Michigan to attend the Foam Expo for the third consecutive year. The show will take place at the Suburban Collection Showplace from March 26-28.

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 strips, gaskets and seals from materials such as PORON® Polyurethane, BISCO® Silicone, and open and closed cell foams

If you plan to attend, stop by booth #522 to ask our sales representatives 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, March 26 – 9:30am – 5:30pm
Wednesday, March 27 – 9:30am – 5:30pm
Thursday, March 28 – 9:30am – 3:00pm

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

SRP is excited to announce that we will be returning to exhibit at the Design-2-Part show in Schaumburg, Illinois on May 9^th and 10^th at the Schaumburg Convention Center.

For over 40 years, Design-2-Part Shows has connected the finest American job shops and manufacturers face-to-face with OEM engineers, management and buyers who need their expertise and services to solve their manufacturing challenges.

The D2P show is a great opportunity for SRP to get in front of manufacturing companies from the Chicagoland and Midwest area. Most recently, we have been focusing our marketing and sales efforts on companies who are designing and manufacturing products nearby. Elk Grove Village has gone through great lengths to bring manufacturing back to the area, and SRP is very pleased with their efforts.

The Midwest area is heavily occupied by manufacturing companies seeking out custom gasket fabrication and die-cutting services”, says Eric Schmid, Sales Engineer at SRP. He continues, “the Design-2-Part show allows us to be face-to-face with the engineers and buyers from many of these companies to showcase what we have to offer.”

Building a relationship with our customers is a priority, and we feel that meeting face-to-face is a big first step in the right direction. If you are planning to attend the show, SRP will be in booth #316. Come on by and ask us how we can assist you on your next custom die-cut project.

For more information about the show, you can check out the show’s homepage.

Elk Grove Village, Illinois: SRP is pleased to announce the company has launched a new website. SRP focuses on custom fabrication and die cutting of a wide variety of non-metallic materials for various companies, markets, and applications.

The updated website features a new, improved look that will be more user-friendly for increased navigation, and will provide a wealth of useful information. With updated and added content, there is more information about new markets, materials, products, and applications, along with a page dedicated to case studies for an in-depth look at some of the many projects we have taken on.

One feature designed to help SRP meet customers’ needs more effectively is updated CTA’s that will allow for visitor inquiries to be answered quickly and more efficiently. Visitors will also have the ability to attach a drawing or file so SRP’s team of engineers have the information they need to answer any questions or prepare estimates for potential customers.

Offering a wide array of products and services, SRP has more than 65 years of experience offering customers high-quality custom parts and components. Their capabilities allow them to fashion materials into predefined sizes and shapes based on customer’s wants and needs. The company offers services to manufacture products such as custom gaskets, insulators and isolators, weather-stripping, and more for various applications including: gasketing, sealing, shielding, cushioning, insulating, filtering, shock absorption, vibration dampening and many more.

For more information about the company and their services, visit SRP or call 1-800-333-6322.

SRP has been converting foam into gaskets, seals, strips and pads for customers in a variety of industries for many years. Foam gaskets are perfect for applications where cushioning and sealing are a necessity.  

What Is Foam Rubber?

Foam is a material that is primarily manufactured in rolls or sheets. During the manufacturing process, the material gets filled with tiny air pockets that give the material its unique properties. Foam can cushion, seal, insulate, and shield a wide range of surfaces and products. It also absorbs shock, vibration, and can resist extreme temperatures.

What Can Foam Do to Enhance Functionality? 

Depending on the type of foam, these materials are designed to protect against both the indoor and outdoor environments such as rain, dust, ozone and sunlight. 

Foam can be used in extreme temperatures, and can also be used when dealing with oil, gasoline, alkalis, and solvents.

Custom foam gasket products can be die-cut and supplied per customer specifications. We will work with you to develop the perfect solutions to any application issue.

SRP has worked with numerous types of foam products over the years. We commonly convert foam materials such as; Cellular Urethane, Open Cell Polyurethane, Cross-Linked Polyethylene, Crushed Cellular Foam, Closed Cell EVA Foam, and Silicone Foam. Each of these types of foam serve different purposes depending on the application.

Which Foam Material Is Right For Your Application?

If you are unsure about which type of foam is right for your project, feel free to reach out to SRP’s team of specialists for any questions you may have. We will help provide you with the correct material, and would be happy to send any samples or prototypes you may require for testing. We work with our customers to provide the highest quality solutions at the most cost-effective prices.

Ready to finalize your foam? Call us at 800-333-6322 or fill out our online form and we’ll get you answers quickly. 

Gaskets and seals are not glamorous. However, these products protect materials from contaminants and moisture and provide an important cushioning effect. In fact, without custom gasket applications from companies like SRP, the world would be a much different place. Let’s imagine an alternate reality” where custom-made gaskets do not exist.

Make Your Own Seals

In a world of fast-paced production with constant deadlines to meet, many companies won’t have time to cut out and make their own seals. So, to save time and money, they turn to the easiest and fastest ways to seal things.

Bonded Products

Because there are no special seals or gaskets, many manufacturers will simply bond parts together to prevent fluid leaks and contamination. On the surface, this doesn’t seem like a bad idea. However, this creates a lot of “throw away” parts and products, because you can no longer take things apart to make repairs.

Problems with “Throw Away” Items

Since very few things are repairable, they end up in scrap heaps and landfills. When you multiply this problem by millions of products on the market today, it won’t take long for the landfills to become overwhelmed. In a world without quality custom gasket products, environmental issues abound.

Higher Prices

Imagine an entire car engine all “glued” together. Maybe engine makers will resort to “gaskets in a tube.” This takes longer than installing a custom gasket, so labor costs soar, and this has an effect on prices like a snowball rolling down a steep hill.

Not Much Fun

When you have more ecosystem problems and higher prices, everyone has to work harder for much less. Thankfully, SRP is here with high-quality custom-made gaskets for many applications, so you can rest easy tonight.