Sponge Rubber

Sponge Rubber Pads

Here at Advanced Seals & Gaskets, we offer a vast catalogue of sponge rubber materials from which we can produce pads. Our range of sponge rubber is stocked in sheet, roll or block form which can be converted using our in-house state of the art machine and facilities, enabling us to supply sponge rubber pads in thicknesses starting at as little as just 1mm. Regardless of the size and quantity of pads required, we have a number of presses, bandsaws or CNC machines that can be used to manufacture the final product. From one-off samples to multiple batches runs, which depending on size can be supplied as loosely cut parts or kiss-cut on rolls where a high quantity is required or for use on fast-paced production and assembly lines.

 

What Are Sponge Rubber Pads?

ASG stock a number of sponge rubber materials in block, sheet and roll form, ensuring we can manufacture pads in a variety of grades and thicknesses within the shortest possible time frame. Each type of sponge rubber is specially formulated to create resistances or insulation to different exposures. Using a selection of in-house machinery ASG  can produce square or rectangular pads with the option of radius corners, and also as circular or oval-shaped pads or ‘discs’, in a range of thicknesses.  Manufacturing pads in-house means we can offer the option to supply them in a plain or self-adhesive backed finish and even laminate multiple types of material together to create bespoke and unique variations.  

 

Why Use Sponge Rubber Pads?

Sponge rubber pads are often used to fill gaps and irregularities between 2 surfaces, provide a solution to unwanted rattles, noise and vibrations, to seal against air, gas, dust and liquids, and can also be used to cushion between moving parts to reduce friction and damage to components and equipment. Different types of sponge rubber sheets have their own unique set of characteristics and properties for use in various applications, some are suitable for outdoor use and UV/Ozone exposure, others have oil resistance or are flame retardant. Sponge rubber pads can be found in many applications and industries such as electrical equipment, automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, chemical and food/drink/pharmaceutical processing industries. 

 

Different Grades

There are different types and grades of sponge rubber pads available for use within many industries each with its own unique characteristics. Popular types of sponge rubber include:

EPDM sponge rubber is a high-quality material with excellent weathering, UV and ozone resistance, making it ideal for outdoor seating. EPDM sponge rubber pads offer a wide operating temperature range, acoustic, thermal and vibration dampening properties and also good mechanical strength and abrasion-resistant properties. Grades of EPDM include medium, firm, high temp and semi-open cell. 

Neoprene sponge rubber is a versatile material, featuring good resilience and resistance to UV and ozone. It has a working temperature range of -40ºc to +115ºc, good chemical stability, and good general resistance to oils and petroleum-based fuels.

Silicone sponge is a resilient material with high-temperature stability, chemically inert and waterproof. Silicone sponge is a closed-cell, available in a range of densities (firmness) it has a number of features that make it suitable for outdoor sealing including Ozone, UV resistance and temperature flexibility, meaning it will not freeze/crack.  

Viton sponge is another closed-cell variety of sponge rubber offered by ASG.  It is manufactured with skin on both faces which increases its tear resistance. It has a wide working temperature range of -25°C to +204°C and good resistance to hydrocarbons, oils, fuels, lubricants, acids, weathering and ozone.

PVC Nitrile sponge is a closed-cell, very soft type, manufactured with smooth skin on both faces. This sponge rubber is often the preferred choice for use within thermal insulation applications due to its Class O flame retardant characteristics.  

Poron sponge is closed-cell polyurethane sponge rubber, which offers excellent compression resistance, good chemical resistance and longevity.  This material is low out-gassing, non-fogging and will not become brittle and break down over time.

Industrial sponge rubber is a high quality, open-cell natural sponge rubber. The open cell structure enables excellent compression recovery, but also to form around uneven surfaces, limited absorption and circulation of gas and liquids if required. It is an excellent choice of material for us as a protective sponge, expansion joints and anti-vibration applications.

 

Benefits of Sponge Rubber Pads

Depending on the type and grade of sponge rubber taken, the material will offer a whole host of properties and benefits, some of which include:

• Sound/vibration Suppression
• Thermal Properties
• Can be bonded with other materials based on application
• Oils, chemical, acid, fuel resistance
• Ozone, weathering, UV resistance 
• Wide working temperature range
• Flame retardant
• Excellent compression for gap filling and sealing