Reticulated Polyurethane Foam Strips
Reticulated Polyurethane Foam Strips
Polyurethane foams are just one of many materials used to convert into components such as strips and supplied by Advanced Seals & Gaskets Ltd. Reticulated Polyurethane foam strips are also known in the industry by names including Retic foam strips, Reticulated PU strips, open cell PU strips, ‘Filter foam’ strips or Skeletal Foam strips due to the materials open cellular structure, manufactured in a range of porosities from 10ppi through to 100ppi. Reticulated Foams 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 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 strips can be cut.
Foam strips are all made to order manufactured using state of the art machinery including band saws, strippers, log cutters and even presses depending upon the size and quantity required - for very small strips in high volume runs, a kiss-cut option may also be available for faster production and time efficiency for the end user. In-house production allows us to closely oversee the whole production process to ensure that we consistently produce high quality, competitively priced strips Our on-site laminating service enables us to supply Conductive Polyethylene foam strips in a choice of finishes including plain or coated on one of both faces with a range of self-adhesives, foils or even laminated to other materials.
Product Enquiry
For information on Reticulated Polyurethane Foam Strips 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 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 Strips?
Reticulated polyurethane foam 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 PU foam strips are pieces of material cut to a specific width and length as requested by our customers, in some cases available as continuous rolls or coils to be cut down to the required length by the end user as when needed by the end user, often used in a similar way to a gasket placed between two surfaces to create a seal, provide cushioning or insulation. Strips of Reticulated PU foam are made by running the block of material through a splitter where it is skived or ‘peeled’ off into sheets at the desired thickness, and then cut into strips either using a press, bandsaw or log-cutter, the process used will depend on the length, strips thickness and quantity of strips needed.
Why use Reticulated Polyurethane Foam Strips?
Reticulated foam strips can be made using one of many ppi grades, deciding which grade is needed, depends up the applications and environments, thickness of the foam used will also impact the efficiency of the strip 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 strips of material are 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.
Unlike many other strips which are used to seal against moisture ingress, Reticulated foam strips and tapes 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 than an 80ppi with its smaller pores which is also capable of catching finer particles and holding more dust. Prior to cutting or pressing into strips, reticulated foam sheets can be laminated with a choice of foils and self-adhesives applied to one or both faces.
Available Grades of Reticulated Polyurethane Foam Strips
Advanced Seals & Gaskets Ltd work with a number of material manufacturers, giving our customers more choice when looking for reticulated polyurethane strips, 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 Foam Strips
- 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 Strips
There are many reasons for using Reticulated Foams for the production of strips and tapes, with each density offering varying levels of efficiency. Reticulated foams offer excellent chemical and fuel resistance, good elongation and tear strength properties making these strips 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 strips of material, develop 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 strips 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, and pressed into bespoke shapes and profiles to fit the application, they are resistant to mild acids and alkali's, salt water, fuel, organic chemicals, oils, lubricants, soaps and detergents. Not only are reticulated foam strips 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.