CRG produces a variety of foam and sponge stripping, as well as tapes, which service industrial and automotive applications. Stripping we produce is made from a wide range of foams and sponges, including those made from EPDM, Neoprene, Viton®, Silicone and other compounds.
Closed and open cell foams and sponges
When buying stripping made from foam and sponge, one should be aware of the essential differences between these two materials. Foam and sponge are distinct materials that possess different mechanical and physical properties. These differences can make one material more suitable than the other for servicing a given application.
Foam rubber is produced when a gas is blown into a liquid mixture, creating numerous small bubbles. Sponge, on the other hand, consists of two types: open cell and closed cell. Open cell sponge is formed in a mold. Sodium bicarbonate is added to the uncured rubber material in the mold. The sodium bicarbonate froths up to create a network of open and interconnected cells. Closed cell sponge, in contrast, is formed when released nitrogen gas creates bubbles that remain completely closed within the material. Closed cell sponges have a more solid, yet lightweight structure, while open cell sponges are softer and more breathable.
Foam and sponge materials may be made from a variety of compounds. EPDM, Neoprene, Fluoroelastomer (FKM, also known as Viton®, a registered trademark of The Chemours Company, formerly DuPont), Silicone, and microcellular urethane (Poron®) are some of the more common types of foams and sponges which CRG uses to service industrial and automotive applications.
Common uses of foam and sponge stripping
Stripping made from foams and sponges are widely used to seal joints and spaces in structures, equipment or appliances where compression of the sealing material is required to achieve a good seal. The amount of compression that can be achieved varies with the density of the foam or sponge used to create the stripping. For food-grade applications, stripping made from FDA-grade foams and sponges are available. Stripping made from foams and sponges with fire-retardant and low smoke/toxicity properties are also available. Common applications for foam and sponge stripping include the following:
Thermal insulation
Gaskets and seals which protect against the intrusion of moisture, UV light, or dirt
Joint fillers and edge extrusions
Packaging
Seating
Filters
Acoustic applications and sound deadening
Cushioning and shock absorption
Packaging
Foam and sponge stripping and tapes from CRG
Foam and sponge stripping from CRG is available as open or closed cell, depending upon the application and requirements. Stripping is available in a variety of widths, from 3 mm to 1,000 mm, and in thicknesses from 0.5 mm to 40 mm. A wide range of durometers and compression sets is also available to satisfy almost any application need.
Stripping can also be supplied as tape on rolls with a pressure-sensitive, self-adhesive (PSA) backing affixed for easy application – simply peel away the release backing to reveal the adhesive. CRG offers two types of foam and sponge tape: single- and double-sided. Single-sided tape has adhesive applied to one side of the tape material. Single-sided tape is used in applications that require the ability to bond to a single object. Double-sided tape has adhesive applied to both sides of the tape material. Double-sided tape is used in applications that require the ability to join or bond two objects together. Each side of a double-sided tape can be coated with a different adhesive if required.
CRG has the latest equipment to produce foam and sponge stripping to customer requirements. We use high-volume rotary die cutting to produce cut or kiss-cut strip parts in large quantities, while our slitting processes can produce one-off strips or multi-piece runs. We can also produce stripping made from denser and harder materials, such as sheet rubbers, cork, plastics, felts, and other substrates. Through laminating, it is also possible to manufacture custom parts with the stripping bonded to another material.
If you are needing foam and sponge stripping, CRG is your preferred source of supply. Our experienced sales team can help you select the right foam or sponge material for your application.
To find out more about the stripping we can supply, please contact our sales team at crg@canadarubbergroup.com.