Understand Which Gasket Material Is Right for Your Application
Choosing between foam and solid rubber for gaskets is one of the most important decisions a design or procurement team can make. The wrong material can lead to premature failure, poor sealing, or inefficient production.
At Alanto, we’re a UK-leading rubber gasket manufacturer and foam gasket supplier, converting a wide range of materials for custom-engineered sealing solutions. Whether you’re sealing out moisture, insulating against vibration, or protecting a critical enclosure, we’ll guide you to the right choice – based on performance, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.
Foam vs Rubber Gaskets: Core Differences
| Feature | Foam Gaskets | Rubber Gaskets |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Cellular (open or closed cell) | Solid elastomer |
| Compression | Compresses easily | Higher compression force needed |
| Seal Type | Low-pressure sealing | Medium to high-pressure sealing |
| Weight | Lightweight | Denser and heavier |
| Best Use | Cushioning, vibration, light sealing | Chemical, fuel, and fluid sealing |
When to Use Foam Gaskets
1. Foam gaskets are ideal when you need:
- Low-closure-force sealing.
- Vibration dampening or shock absorption.
- Light insulation or weather sealing.
- Adhesive-backed installation.
2. Materials include:
- Closed cell EPDM or Neoprene.
- Vinyl Nitrile (flame retardant).
- Polyethylene foam.
- Open cell PU (limited use).
Common applications: HVAC panels, electrical enclosures, PPE, automotive interior seals.
When to Use Rubber Gaskets
1. Solid rubber gaskets are suited for:
- Medium to high-pressure environments.
- Fluid, oil, or fuel contact.
- Chemical resistance requirements.
- High mechanical stress sealing.
2. Materials include:
- Nitrile (NBR): oil and fuel resistance.
- Viton® / FKM: high heat and chemical tolerance.
- EPDM: outdoor weather and steam resistance.
- Neoprene: general purpose rubber.
Common applications: Fuel tanks, pipe flanges, valve covers, pumps, generators.
How Alanto Helps You Decide
We work with OEMs, engineers, and buyers to review:
- Operating pressure.
- Contact fluids or temperatures.
- Seal design (compression vs adhesive).
- Environmental exposure.
- Compliance standards (UL94, FMVSS, EN45545).
You’ll get expert material matching, fast quoting, and precision-converted gaskets – whether in small batch or production volumes.
Work With a UK Gasket Manufacturer You Can Trust
- ISO 9001 certified production.
- Full traceability of foam and rubber materials.
- In-house conversion: die-cut, CNC, kiss-cut.
- Flame-retardant and adhesive-backed options.
- Fast turnaround, technical support, low MOQs.
From enquiry to delivery, our focus is precision, performance, and partnership.
FAQs
1. Which is better for outdoor use – foam or rubber?
Closed-cell EPDM foam and solid EPDM rubber both offer excellent weather and UV resistance. Foam is easier to compress; rubber provides better durability under pressure.
2. Can foam gaskets be used with oil or fuel?
In most cases, no. Oil and fuel degrade most foams. Instead, use nitrile rubber or Viton® for fuel resistance.
3. Are foam gaskets flame retardant?
Yes – Vinyl Nitrile and some Neoprene foam grades meet UL94 HF1 and FMVSS 302 standards.
4. What’s cheaper – foam or rubber gaskets?
Foam gaskets are generally more cost-effective, especially in adhesive-backed formats. Rubber offers better long-term durability for fluid sealing.
5. Can Alanto supply both foam and rubber gasket kits?
Absolutely. We manufacture both in-house and can package mixed gasket kits to suit your assembly process.
Get Expert Help Choosing Your Gasket Material
Email: sales@alanto.co.uk | Call: +44 (0) 1922 723740
