Choosing Between Open Cell and Closed Cell Foams

Foam is a popular choice for many industries when selecting custom gasket and seal materials. Its versatility, various sizes, and usefulness in numerous applications make foam an essential material. However, choosing between open-cell and closed-cell foam can be challenging due to their distinct properties and functionalities. Here, we’ll explore the key differences between these types of foam and offer guidance in selecting the correct material.

Understanding Foam Types

Open Cell Foam

Open-cell foam has a spongy structure with connected cells that allow air to pass through. This design offers several advantages. For instance, the breathability of open-cell foam enables air circulation, making it suitable for applications where ventilation is crucial. This feature helps prevent the buildup of moisture, mold, and mildew, which is significant in environments such as packaging for sensitive products. Open-cell foam is also excellent at absorbing sound waves and energy, making it a great choice for applications requiring vibration dampening. It can reduce noise levels and protect sensitive components from excessive shaking or movement. Also, open-cell foam is available in various thicknesses and densities, allowing customization to meet requirements.

Closed Cell Foam

On the other hand, closed-cell foam has a dense structure with sealed-off cells, which offer various advantages. One key benefit is its impermeability, which makes it highly resistant to air and water penetration and suitable for applications that require a tight seal from the elements. Its impermeability ensures that liquids and gases remain contained, which is crucial for industrial uses. 

Additionally, closed-cell foam’s density allows it to withstand greater compression forces while maintaining its shape. This is crucial for applications where components experience varying pressures and must maintain consistent movement without compromising performance. Closed-cell foam provides excellent thermal insulation, making it useful in applications that require temperature regulation.

Key Factors to Consider

When choosing between open-cell and closed-cell foam, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of an application. One crucial factor to entertain is the sensitivity to movement. Evaluate how sensitive the components are to movement and vibration. Open-cell foam might be better if the application involves parts exposed to significant vibrations or shocks due to its sound absorption and energy-dispersing properties.

On the other hand, if maintaining consistent movement is crucial, closed-cell foam would be more appropriate. Its ability to resist compression while evenly distributing forces makes it ideal for sensitive components that can’t afford changes in calibration. Another important factor to consider is the environmental conditions in which the foam will be used. Open-cell foam is beneficial in applications where breathability is crucial, especially in settings prone to dust and moisture. However, closed-cell foam is the way to go if the application requires protection against water and air infiltration. Its rigid structure offers a strong barrier against environmental elements, ensuring the integrity of the components it seals.

 Choosing the correct type of foam—whether open-cell or closed-cell—depends on understanding the application’s unique requirements. Each foam type has distinct advantages, so evaluating factors such as sensitivity to movement and environmental conditions is essential. At PGC, we specialize in helping design teams determine the most suitable foam for our customers’ needs. Our engineers utilize their knowledge of both materials to recommend a foam that will provide optimal performance for the specific assembly.