Reticulated Foam Pads
Cut polyurethane reticulated foam pads are one of the thousands of components converted and supplied by Advanced Seals & Gaskets Ltd. Reticulated Polyurethane foam is also known in the industry by them names Retic foam, Reticulated PU, open cell PU, ‘Filter foam’ or Skeletal Foam due to its open cellular structure available in a range from 10ppi through to 100ppi.
Reticulated Foams pads are recognisable by their net or mesh like appearance - especially those between 10ppi and 30ppi where the holes are larger. The holes that form the composition of these foams vary in size and are referred to as ‘pores’, the material grade is defined by the number and size of of these pores within a square inch of material, hence the term PPI (pores per inch) - these cell or pore sizes range from 10PPI which is a very coarse grade up to 100PPI which has a more compact structure and softer feel.
The lower the PPI, the lower the porosity - allowing more fluid and air flow, in contrast, the higher the PPI, the higher the porosity where the smaller cell and tighter cell structure results in air and liquid flow reduction - this is more the 80ppi - 100ppi range. Reticulated foams are manufactured in large blocks or ‘buns’ which are held in stock ready to be split down into sheets from which pads can be cut. Retic foam pads are produced on-site using drawings or measurements provided by our customers, with whom we work closely to ensure the final product is to their exact specification. Depending upon the size and quantity of pads required, one of many presses, bandsaws or CNC machines can be used to manufacture the final product, from one off samples to multiple thousand batch runs, which can be supplied as loosely cut parts, or kiss-cut on rolls - where a high quantity is required or for use on fast paced assembly lines. Our reticulated foam pads can be supplied in a plain finish, laminated in layers to create greater thicknesses, laminated to other materials or coated with a choice of self-adhesives and foils prior to the pads being cut.
Product Enquiry
For information on Reticulated Foam Pads please complete the following quick enquiry or call us on +44(0)1384 252555.
Characteristics of Reticulated Foam Pads:
- Sheet Size: 2m x 1m or 1m x 1m
- Density:25.0 kg/m3
- Pore Size: 10ppi - 80ppi
- Minimum Temperature : -30°C Maximum Temperature - +110°C
- Colour - Charcoal Grey (marine safe is available in a blue colour)
- Can be bespoke cut or pressed into different shapes and profiles
- Properties: UV and light-resistant, resistant to ageing. Oil, chemical and contaminant resistant, reusable.
Full technical data can be supplied upon request,
or downloaded from our online portal.
Help and guidance
If you would like to speak to a representative to discuss your specific application or requirements please call our sales office direct on 01384 469100, alternatively you can send an E-mail. Simply click on the link and forward us your details along with your question and we will contact you immediately.
Samples - Technical Reticulated Foam Pads
Samples can be submitted for testing upon request.
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What are Reticulated Polyurethane Foam Pads?
Reticulated polyurethane foam pads takes its name from the word Reticulated which means ‘net-like’. The lower the PPI - they larger the holes and the greater amount of airflow will occur, as the value of the PPI increases, so too do the number of pores with each grade varying in its effectiveness for use in specific filtration and absorption applications. Reticulated foam pads are often taken to be used in the same way as a gasket, whereby they are used to create a seal between uneven surfaces and fill irregularities, provide cushioning or dampen noise and vibration. Our retic foampads can be produced as squares or rectangles with the option of radius corners, and also as circular or oval shaped pads or ‘discs’, in a range of thicknesses from as little as around 5mm. Manufacturing pads in-house even means we can 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 Reticulated Polyurethane Foam Pads?
Reticulated foam pads can be cut using one of many ppi grades, deciding which grade is needed, depends up the applications and environments, the thickness of the foam used will also impact the efficiency of the pad filtration capacity as the thicker the foam, the less air or fluid that is allowed to flow through the foam - even more so when the material is under compression as the pores will decrease in size therefore reducing the amount of air and liquid passing through the product and also increasing the amount of dust and debris it catches.
Reconstitute foam pads can also be easily compressed which again will further later their properties in terms of how firm it is and the thickness of the pad that is actually needed. Unlike many other pads which are used to seal against moisture ingress, Reticulated foams are used more for dust filtration or anti vibration applications.
The behaviours of the retic foam will vary depending on the grade used, low grades (low ppi) of retic foam has a low surface area and porosity, it will allow air and moisture to pass through more freely compared to say an 80ppi which has smaller pores, capable of catching finer particles and holding more dust. Prior to cutting or pressing into pads, reticulated foam sheets can be laminated with a choice of foils and self-adhesives applied to one or both faces.
Available grades of Reticulated Foam Pads
Advanced Seals & Gaskets Ltd work with a number of material manufacturers, giving our customers more choice when looking for reticulated foam pads, our most popular grades being:
- 10ppi - 30ppi : the holes are larger, allow more freely flowing liquid and air, will catch larger particles and smaller amounts of fine dust. Is more compressible but with a scouring pad like texture.
- 45ppi - mid range grade, will allow air and liquid to flow through whilst trapping smaller particles, however when compressed, will have a reduced and more controlled flow.
- 60ppi - 80ppi - high porosity grades, have a very small pore and fine cell appearance. Will allow for a very slow flow of air and liquid, catching very fine particles. These grades are still effective even at lower thicknesses.
Benefits of using Reticulated Foam Pads
- Lightweight and available in a range of porosities
- Low odour
- High resistance to mould and mildew
- Chemical resistance
- Tear resistant and compressible
- Washable/Reusable
Advantages of using Reticulated Polyurethane Foam Pads
There are many reasons for using Reticulated Foams for pad production, with each density offering varying levels of efficiency and filtration. Reticulated foams offer excellent chemical and fuel resistance, good elongation and tear strength properties making these pads suitable for a number of demanding industries and applications.
Due to the open cellular structure and soft nature of retic foam, when placed under pressure, the compressed the material, develops a new range of properties, altering its breathability, porosity, reducing the rate at which liquids and air can pass through and increasing the amount of waste, dust and debris that is caught and held within its pores. Our reticulated foam pads are not just available in different PPI’s, but can also be manufactured as an FR grade using a flame retardant additive to conform to FMVSS302 standards - this makes the material ideal for use in a range of demanding applications and environments.
Reticulated foam pads can be made to order in different colours, and sawn or pressed into bespoke sized pads to perfectly fit the application. Reticulated filter foams are resistant to mild acids and alkali's, salt water, fuel, organic chemicals, oils, lubricants, soaps and detergents. Not only are reticulated foam pads used for air and water filtration, they can also be used for sound absorption, managing the actual sound waves and vibration for example with aircrafts, industrial equipment and household appliances and fluid management in cosmetic and medical applications.
Please contact us using the form below or by calling us on +44(0)1384 252555.