Gaskets are critical components of many manufactured machines and devices as they provide the seal between two different surfaces. Gaskets can be made of a variety of substances. Of those, polyethylene foam gasket tape is one of the most versatile gasketing options for a variety of applications in a litany of industries from automotive, to construction, medical and to aerospace.
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Why Polyethylene Foam Tape is Best for Gaskets?
One of the main benefits of polyethylene foam gasket tape is because of what it is not. Most foams are associated with an open cell structure like a kitchen sponge. Polyethylene foam has a closed-cell structure, which means that each cell within the material is completely sealed off from any adjacent cells. The sealing creates an airtight barrier that reduces moisture infiltration and prevents mold growth–just like the whole gasket is intended to do.
Additionally, the closed cell structure reduces sound transmission through walls or partitions by providing a thick layer of soundproofing material between two surfaces. This makes polyethylene foam gasket tape ideal for use in areas with high levels of noise pollution or where noise reduction is desired.
Strength & Durability Under Pressure
Polyethylene foam gasket tape offers strength and durability and low compression set properties, meaning that it will not lose its shape over time even when continuously exposed to high pressure or heat. The foam structure provides excellent shock absorption and cushioning for sensitive parts or components that require extra protection.
Cost-Effectiveness & Lightweight
Polyethylene foam gasket tape is lightweight yet cost-effective compared to other materials such as rubber or cork. This makes it an ideal choice for applications where weight is a factor but quality must remain uncompromised. In addition, the foam construction allows for easy installation without the need for additional tools or equipment. This eliminates additional costs associated with installation labor or specialized tools.
Single or double-sided gasket tape? Maintain a cushion or seal the deal?
The decision about single sided or double-sided gasket tape goes straight back to the application. Single sided polyethylene gasket tape such as Adhesive Applications’ PBA0830-1 provides conformability, excellent performance for sound dampening, cushioning and chemical resistance.
When both sides of the gasketing tape must be secured together, double-sided polyethylene foam gasketing tape, such as Adhesive Application’s 7016 is a better choice. This product is used to create a seal in applications such as HVAC ducting.
Other double sided foam gasket tapes in the Adhesive Applications arsenal include the products in the 7000 series.
Some gaskets need a low profile. Others need more cushion. The end use and application challenges will determine how thick the foam should be as well as how dense. No matter if the polyethylene foam tape is single or double-sided, Adhesive Applications offers a range of thicknesses from 1/32″ to 1/8″ in a variety of colors.
Die Cuts, Spools, or Rolls
Polyethylene Foam Gasket Tape displays excellent structural performance, but it is easy to die cut, spool or slice into rolls for the application.
Wide Range of Uses
Polyethylene foam gasket tape can be used in a wide range of applications including automotive seals, HVAC systems, soundproofing panels, industrial machinery components and more. Depending on the specific application requirements, different types of polyethylene foams are available—from low density closed cell foams that provide superior cushioning properties to high density open cell foams that are ideal for use in air filtration systems due to their breathability and moisture resistance properties. Regardless of your application needs, there is sure to be a polyethylene foam solution that meets your criteria!
No Stearates Please
For gaskets, it is important to consider stearate-free foam. Adhesive Application’s sister company, MHXCo, produces polyethylene foam in rolls that is stearate-free. Some foam manufacturers use zinc stearate in their processes as a lubricant which enables the product to flow through production equipment easier and a release agent minimizes the foam from sticking to the manufacturing equipment. Stearate can reduce the performance of adhesives that are used in customers’ foam applications such as tape. For this reason, MHXCo does NOT use zinc stearate in any of its products.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, polyethylene foam gasket tape offers numerous advantages over traditional sealing materials such as rubber and cork due to its closed-cell structure which prevents moisture infiltration and helps reduce sound transmission through walls or partitions; its durability; versatility; and cost efficiency. For these reasons, engineers, scientists, product developers, and researchers should consider making use of this versatile material in their next project – whether it’s automotive-related or otherwise! For more information on gaskets, contact Adhesive Applications.