Types Of Industrial Foam - And Finding The One You Need

Industrial foam is used everywhere - from inside walls to packaging materials to sports gear. But these flexible and squishy materials don’t just offer a multitude of uses. They also come in a wide range of material types.

Most foams are engineered by trapping gas bubbles inside a solid or liquid substance. This process “puffs up” the substances, making them all cushion-like, lightweight, and compressible. The substance materials can vary, and so can the engineering process. Everything from the size of the tiny bubbles inside the foam sheets, to the material type, to the density of the foam or bubbles can affect the performance and functionality of these foams.

As you seek out the best industrial foam type for your project, it is important to consider all of these aspects. Here is a quick look at some leading industrial foam types and their most common uses.

Neoprene Sponge Rubber

This rubber is made of synthetic rubber foam. The industrial sponge rubber is water-resistant, weather-resistant, oil and chemical-resistant, and will return to shape after being compressed. The rubber foam has many industrial uses, including the following;

Industrial Seals and Gaskets - Used to seal doors, panels, enclosures, and air conditioning units.

Automotive Application - Used as weather stripping, to dampen vibrations, reduce noise, and seal compartments.

Marine or Outdoor - Can be used on boats, docks and outdoor equipment.

Construction Industry - Used to seal joints, insulate buildings, or as padding.

EPDM Soft Sponge Rubber

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer rubber is lightweight, compressible, and extremely durable. This type of material offers good protection from extremes like UV and high temperatures. It has many different uses, including the following;

Sealant - Used as an air and water-tight sealant for buildings and equipment.

Automotive - Acts as weather stripping and can help reduce vibrations and sounds.

Construction - Used to waterproof, seal and insulate roofs and walls.

HPD High Temp Super Soft Sponge Rubber

This foam is highly compressible and lightweight. It is often used when other rubbers are too firm since it has a low-density cellular structure. The foam has the following industrial applications;

Seals and gaskets - Where gentle compression is needed.

Automotive - Good interior cushioning material that can be a weather seal.

Electronics - Protective material to reduce vibrations and seal equipment.

Construction - A good expansion gap filler for sealing and insulating properties. 

EVA Foam 

EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) foam can be low or high-density. The rubber-like foam is impact-resistant, water-resistant, durable, and very flexible. These qualities make it an ideal material for the following uses;

Footwear - shoe soles, insoles and sandals.

Sports - Floor mats, protective padding, helmets.

Packaging - Used as insert for shipping delicate goods.

Construction - A good underlayment for flooring or an anti-fatigue mat. Can also be a good expansion material to close gaps.

Leisure - Leisure industries use this material for crafts, cosplay, toys and more. 

Discover the Right Industrial Foam for Your Project

Even though foam sheets are incredibly diverse - and might seem very similar in functionality - they are very different. It is best to use the right foam type in the right place. At Gardiner Australia, we can help you identify the right foam type for every project. As manufacturers and converters of sponge rubber and foam, we can also supply you with all the industrial foam you might need.

Contact Gardiner Australia and find the right foam for your project.