Closed cell sponge rubber gaskets from Elasto Proxy don’t just meet your application requirements for sealing and insulation. They meet your business requirements for a value-added solution.
Closed cell sponge rubber gaskets prevent the flow of liquids and gases to and from the environment. They contain nitrogen-filled cells and provide reliable sealing, cushioning, gap filling, and insulation. Most sponge or expanded rubber is lightweight, flexible, and compressible. Over-compression can cause gasket failure, however, so compound selection is critical.
As an experienced gasket fabricator, Elasto Proxy helps you choose the right rubber for your application. We then custom-fabricate gaskets that save you time and money. Many types of closed cell sponge rubber are available, and different compounds provide particular properties. These sheet materials and rubber extrusions also support water jet cutting, adhesive bonding or splicing, and taping for peel-and-stick gaskets.
What Is Closed Cell Sponge Rubber?
Closed cell sponge rubber contains nitrogen-filled cells or pockets that act like individual balloons. As long as their walls don’t burst, these balloons hold the nitrogen gas and prevent the passage of moisture. With constant deflection, however, outside gases may permeate the cellular walls. Over-compression is more problematic since this condition can cause the closed cells to burst. For optimal sealing performance, deflection cannot exceed be excessive.
Several industry-standard specifications define closed cell sponge rubber. According to ASTM D1056 and ISO 6916-1, sponge or expanded rubber materials can use natural, synthetic, or reclaimed rubber as the base material, and organic or inorganic additives to impart various properties. For closed cell sponge rubber specifically, ASTM D1056 and ISO 6916-1 specify compression-deflection and fluid immersion tests. For military applications, MIL-R-6130C describes the requirements for Type 2 (closed cell) elastomers.
Types of Closed Cell Sponge Rubber Gaskets
Closed cells sponge rubber gaskets are often made of silicone, neoprene, EPDM, or a blend of elastomeric materials. For gasket designers, product engineers, and technical buyers, it’s important to choose a compound that meets all of your application’s requirements. In addition to material thickness and service temperatures, you may need closed cell sponge rubber gaskets that provide oil and chemical resistance, abrasion and environmental resistance, or compliance with UL 94 flame ratings.
The differences between neoprene and EPDM are instructive here. Closed cell neoprene sponge rubber gaskets can withstand a wide range of temperatures and light contact with oils and chemicals. Moreover, most closed cell neoprene has a UL 94HF-1 flame rating. By contrast, closed cell EPDM sponge rubber gaskets require additives to achieve this same flame rating. These EPDM gaskets lack strong oil and fuel resistance, but provider greater resistance than neoprene to water, ozone, and indirect sunlight.
Custom Fabrication and Closed Cell Sponge Rubber Gaskets
Choosing the right compound for your application is important, but manufacturers also need rubber gaskets that are cost-effective to produce and easy-to-install. Elasto Proxy specializes in the low-to-medium volume production of custom gaskets, and uses water jet cutting for the cost-effective conversion of sheet materials and extrusions. Unlike die cutting, water jet cutting doesn’t require expensive metal dies or tooling charges. Unlike laser cutting, the edges of elastomers are never burnt or “toasted”.
Elasto Proxy can also laminate closed cell sponge rubber to create large, thick gaskets for applications such as pharmaceutical equipment. If your application requires extruded rubber, our skilled production team can splice the corners of cut lengths to create custom rubber gaskets. By applying pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes, we can create peel-and-stick gaskets that arrive ready-to-install. We can even store your custom gaskets and ship them on demand or according to your sales forecast.
How Can We Help You?
Do you need help choosing the right material for closed cell sponge rubber gaskets? Do you have questions about compression, deflection, or material hardness (durometer)? Would you like to learn more about our custom fabrication capabilities and how they can save you time and money? Unlike some other contract manufacturers, we can provide expert design assistance, too. For more information, please contact Elasto Proxy.
