EPDM Gaskets | Foam | Sponge | Solid

EPDM Rubber is one of the most common materials seen in the gasket industry. The proper name for EPDM is ethylene propylene diene monomer. As a gasket manufacturer, we probably use the word EPDM everyday. We use it for tape strippings, foam, or solid gaskets. 

Properties of EPDM:

EPDM is used for outdoor, and higher temperature applications. It has great resistance to water/steam, UV, ozone, aging, and other weathering. It can either be sulfur/peroxide cured. EPDM is generally thought of as the outdoor material that is extremely tough. It is also known for its mechanical properties of being generally stronger than most other elastomers. This is because it has excellent outdoor properties. For example, the rooftop covering material at NEDC is made out of EPDM. The building was built in 1970. For all these reasons, that is why EPDM Gaskets are oftentimes used. However, there are some drawbacks of this elastomer.

Some Drawbacks:

-Little Resistance to Solvents, Lubricants, and Hydrocarbons

-No flame resistance

Solid EPDM Rubber(EPDM under ASTM D1418):

Applications: 

Gasketing

Pads

Door, Window, & Trunk Seals

Electrical Insulators

FDA Approved EPDM Gasketing

EPDM Gasketing often is utilized because it can be FDA compliant to the 21 CFR  177.2600. These are used for use with food, and beverage applications. Typically, similiar to most FDA compliant gaskets, this material comes in a color of white, and comes in 40 durometer. 

Sponge/Foam/Cellular EPDM:

Cellular options are available for EPDM. Closed Cell Foam products are often used in applications where the properties of EPDM are desired, but would prefer a more easily compressed option. EPDM Sponge/Foam are offered in both semi-closed cell, crushed-cell and closed cell options. These foams can range from extremely soft (0-5 psi) to medium softness (9-13psi). The below products show whole EPDM sponges/foams. However, many other sponge/foam products use a blend of polymers to create more versatile options to achieve a mid-range in many categories material. The table below shows some different products available:

Applications of EPDM Sponge/Foam:

Gasketing

HVAC

Door Panels

More Information:

NEDC is a manufacturer of gaskets. We use waterjet-cutting, and die-cutting for EPDM Gaskets. NEDC often provides tape backings for EPDM rubber products. Our tape of choice would be an acrylic option. For more information on EPDM Rubber or you believe you have an application that could utilize EPDM, please contact sales@nedc.com.