Foam has been one of the leading gasket materials for years, and for good reason. The diverse range of material options allow foam gaskets, depending on the materials used, to be resistant to many environmental hazards, including:
- Heat and flames (meeting MVSS302 and UL94 requirements)
- Moisture and mold/mildew
- Oils, fuels, and grease
- Chemical solvents
- UV light
On top of these resistances, foam gaskets are also easily fabricated into any shape, size. etc., allowing you to create custom foam gaskets that fit any space. These gaskets, when compressed, form a tight seal between any two materials, often filling gaps between those two materials.
At Amcon, we provide foam gaskets in a wide variety of materials, including both open-cell and closed-cell and low-permeability foams. Whether you are trying to keep air, gas, or liquid from passing, there’s an ideal foam for your gasketing application.
What are the ideal foam gasket materials? You have many options.
Neoprene Foam
Similar to rubber, neoprene foam is an elastomer that is flexible, durable, and soft, and it’s available in both closed-cell and open-cell variants. Closed-cell neoprene is waterproof, will not break down when it comes into contact with oil, and is a good insulator, making it ideal for many products across the medical, aerospace, and industrial industries. Learn more about what makes neoprene an ideal gasket material here.
EPDM Foam Rubber
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) foam rubber is a lighter and more porous material than solid EPDM rubber, but it still forms a tight, long-lasting seal when used as a gasket. The material has a wide range of resistances, including weather, ozone, UV, steam, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. This makes it ideal for outdoor gasket uses and in aerospace and automotive applications.
Silicone Foam
Silicone foams are made of a low-viscosity liquid silicone, which makes it lightweight and heavily resistant to open flames and heat. Silicone foam also compresses less than many other types of foam. This material is at its best when used in applications that have extreme temperatures.
Polyurethane Foam
Polyurethane is a lightweight open cell foam that is most ideally used as a gasket to stop dust and light amounts of moisture. It is not waterproof. However, the material provides good resistance to abrasion, tearing, and compression set. It’s also very flexible and elastic, making it good for uneven surfaces where the gasket needs to conform. If you need vibration dampening or acoustical and thermal insulation, polyurethane is a good gasket choice.
Polyethylene Foam
Polyethylene is a closed cell foam that is strong against chemicals and grease and resistant to mold and mildew. The material has less elasticity than other foam options, but it is very durable. You can also find variations of the foam that are conductive, anti-static, and fire retardant.
Find the Right Foam for Your Gasket Application
Looking for a specific foam for your gasketing application? We have hundreds of types and classifications of foam for any use, and we can custom fabricate your gasket into any size or shape. If you need custom gaskets, we are your reliable partner. Get in touch with our foam engineers today to design and custom foam gasket part that fits your application perfectly.