There Are Various Types Of Foam Gaskets For Applications What Are They

Companies would always want the perfect seal for their product. They know they need a gasket. However, they may be unsure about the material to use. The most prominent foam gasket variants in the industry are open-cell and closed-cell. They could seem similar from the outside. However, each has its exclusive uses and characteristics. First, we will discuss the making of foam gaskets. The creation of foams is the result of heating a solid and expanding it with chemical injections. Cell bubbles filled with chemical gas form in the solid. Then these bubbles start growing. Whether the cells rupture or not decides the sort of foam that forms.

If the cells rupture, open-cell foam forms. If the cells don’t rupture, closed-cell foam forms. An important thing to note is that both these varieties of foam can have differing thicknesses.

Both the varieties are applicable as Form-in-Place Gaskets.

Open-Cell Foam

This product is incredibly versatile. It features a low compression set. What is the implication? If heavy items compress the product, it’s going to get back its original shape and thickness.

That’s an excellent property for products that endure heavy, recurrent use, offering them a long life span. Moreover, this product ensures that the removal of dust and air from compressed products. Thus, it’s an efficient barrier from rubbles and different particles.

Open-cell foam is very trendy in the manufacturing world with several uses. Besides its several benefits, it’s very economical.

Closed-Cell Foam

This product is as adaptable and multi-purpose as the former. However, it has some differences.

It has a more excellent compression set. What is the implication? It won’t get back its original thickness if compressed for a long time or heavy items compress it. However, this product’s closed-cell nature makes it firmer gasket material.

Another key feature of Closed-cell foams is their high water resistance. The reason is their closed-cell nature. Thus, this variety is ideal for open-air appliances. It suits almost all products that are likely to be open to the elements. An industry niche in which this FIP gasket variety has ample uses is electrical manufacturing.

Another foam gasket variety is applicable as Form-in-Place Gaskets. It is Semi-closed cell foam. Another name for this product is crushed foam. We discuss this product next.

This variety is fast gaining traction in the industry. What is the reason? It’s formable nature with the presence of some closed cells that promote environmental resistance. Of late, this product has become more rampant. What is the reason? It’s adaptability. It’s as flexible and compressible as open-cell foams. Moreover, under compression, it has the sealing capabilities of closed-cell foams. It’s ideal for various sealing and joint-filling applications that feature uneven surfaces.

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