Reticulated Polyurethane Filter Foam Seals
Reticulated Polyurethane Filter Foam Seals
A group of materials from the Advanced Seals catalogue include Polyurethane Foams, available in different open cell variants in various grades, densities, types and colours, one of which we supply being Reticulated Polyurethane Filter Foam Seals. These are also known in the industry by the names Retic Foam Seals, Reticulated PU seals, open cell PU seals, ‘Filter foam’ seals or Skeletal Foam seals.
Reticulated Polyurethane Filter Foam Seals 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 these foams vary in size and are referred to as ‘pores’, the material grade is defined by the number and size 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 airflow, 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 sawn and split down into more manageable sheets from which seals can be cut.
Our Reticulated Polyurethane Filter Foam Seals are available in the form of gaskets, washers, strips and fabricated parts, which are all designed for the purpose of filling gaps and controlling air and liquid flow, as well as preventing the ingress of dust and debris.
Working with our customers during the design and material selection process is important as it enables us to produce seals to match their exact required specifications, ensuring the seal doesn't fail once it is placed within the application. By using our customers' drawings or samples, we are able to produce Reticulated Foam Seals in many forms whether it's a simple washer to a more complex fabricated profile which can be laminated and carved into the finished product - we can offer a solution. From small sample batches to a multi-thousand off run, we have a machine suited to quickly and accurately produce perfectly formed Reticulated foam seals in a range of shapes and sizes, supplied plain or with a choice of finishes including a selection of foils and self adhesives.
Product Enquiry
For information on Reticulated Polyurethane Filter Foam Seals please complete the following quick enquiry or call us on +44(0)1384 252555.
Characteristics of Reticulated Foam:
- 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 green or 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.
What are Reticulated Polyurethane Foam seals?
Reticulated Polyurethane Filter Foam Seals in their raw state are manufactured in master blocks of material, these are then sawn and split into pre-measured thicknesses in sheet form ranging from as little as around 5mm thick from which seals can then be cut. Polyether Foam Seals are described as products often taking the form of cut gaskets, strips, washers, extruded trims and fabricated profiles often used as a gap filler between surfaces, acting as a separator or a barrier to control the flow of liquids, air and dust penetrating the application and also found in a number of vibration dampening and insulating applications.
The name "Reticulated Foam Seal" takes its name from the word Reticulated which means ‘net-like’ which is very much how these seals look, especially the lower PPi variants. 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.
Why use Reticulated Polyurethane Foam Seals?
Reticulated Polyurethane Filter Foam Seals are converted from jumbo blocks of material in many ppi grades, deciding which grade is needed depends upon the application and environment it will be used in. The thickness of the foam used will also impact the efficiency of the seals 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.
Reconstituted foam seals can also be easily compressed which again will further alter their properties in terms of how firm it is and the thickness of the sheet that is actually needed.
Unlike many other foam and sponge materials which are used to seal against moisture ingress, Reticulated Polyurethane Filter Foam Seals 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, which will allow air and moisture to pass through more freely compare to say an 80ppi which has smaller pores, capable of catching finer particles and holding more dust.
Available grades of Reticulated Polyurethane Foam Sheets
Advanced Seals & Gaskets Ltd work with a number of material manufacturers, giving our customers more choice when looking for reticulated polyurethane sheets, our most popular grades being:
- 10ppi - 30ppi : the holes are larger, allows 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 Polyurethane Filter Foam Sheets
- 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 Filter Foam Seals
It may not seem like an obvious choice of material for the production of seals, but there are many reasons why customers take Reticulated Foam seals as their choice of product, with each density offering varying levels of efficiency and filtration.
Reticulated Polyurethane Filter Foam Seals offer excellent chemical and fuel resistance, good elongation and tear strength properties making these seals 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 Polyurethane Filter Foam Seals 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 PU foams can be made to order in different colours, usually specific grades (for example marine safe is often green or blue). Reticulated Polyurethane Filter Foam Seals are resistant to mild acids and alkali's, salt water, fuel, organic chemicals, oils, lubricants, soaps and detergents.
Not only are Polyurethane Filter Foam Seals 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.