Foam gaskets are one of the most important and widely used products in the production industry. Foam gaskets are made of various types of foam and come in a wide variety of shapes, thicknesses, and sizes depending on your needs. We will take a closer look at different types of foam gaskets and the many ways you can utilize them.
If you need foam gaskets or other cable management products, HST Cable Management Products in El Paso is here to help. Contact us online or call (915) 304-2787 to learn more.
4 Types of Foam Gaskets and How to Use Them
While there are dozens of different foam gasket types, there are four main ones you need to know about, and here they are. Contact us to find out which type of foam gasket is right for you!
Silicone
Silicone foam gaskets are one of the most common types when performance and durability are important. Silicone gaskets can be either open or closed-cell, depending on your needs. In addition to their performance and durability, silicone foam gaskets are also loved for their low compression, heat resistance, and ability to perform in low temperatures.
Because of the many benefits and features of silicone foam gaskets, they’re used in a number of industries. Their most common uses are for compression, to reduce vibration, and as a dust sealant. Silicone is also water resistant, which makes it applicable in areas where moisture is possible. As such, it’s often used in the HVAC, automotive, food processing, aerospace, and medical industries.
Polyurethane
The second main type of foam gaskets are those made of polyurethane. Polyurethane foam gaskets are loved because of their durability, optimal performance, and because of how tough they are. In addition to the traditional materials used to create foam gaskets, polyurethane also utilizes organic units to make it extra tough and resistant. This allows polyurethane foam gaskets to retain their shape over long periods of time and to resist tears and abrasions that would deform other foam gasket types.
Because of these stout, durable qualities, polyurethane foam gaskets are used in a wide range of applications for the automotive, medical, electrical, and construction industries.
- Foam insulation panels for buildings
- Brushings and bushings for cars, appliances, and electrical devices
- Potting compounds in electronics
- Underlay material for carpets
- The support and construction of wheels and tires
- The construction of hard plastics used in various applications
In other words, when you need a foam gasket that will retain its shape and won’t buckle under pressure, polyurethane is the way to go.
Polyethylene
In addition to being extremely durable and stout, polyethylene foam gaskets are also loved because of how versatile they are. Unlike other foam materials, polyethylene is exclusively closed-cell and isn’t available as an open-cell option. However, this quality makes it extremely rigid, durable, water-resistant, and chemical resistant. It also bonds extremely well to other materials and objects.
As such, polyethylene foam gaskets are a preferred option in a wide range of industries. This includes heating and cooling, construction, automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery. Polyethylene also has great soundproofing qualities, which makes it a good option for sound barriers.
Neoprene
Finally, you also have the option of choosing neoprene foam gaskets. Unlike the other materials we’ve looked at, neoprene is a synthetically produced rubber. While this slightly takes away from its foamy qualities, it makes up for it in other ways.
Neoprene is extremely durable, has incredible tensile strength, and is resistant to almost everything, including heat, water, cold, pressure, and more. As such, it’s a popular material in the construction, automotive, HVAC, aerospace, and other heavy-duty industries.
If you need one or more of these foam gaskets and want the highest quality available, HST Cable Management Products has you covered. We’re one of the top suppliers of foam gaskets in El Paso and are sure to have just what you need. Contact us online or call (915) 304-2787 to learn more.
