When engineering products for complex environments, choosing suitable materials is essential—especially for foam, which serves many functions, from cushioning and insulation to noise reduction and sealing. At Sur-Seal, we understand the intricacies of material selection and are here to make the process smoother. Our advanced solutions help you achieve optimal material thickness while enhancing cost efficiency, durability, and performance.
Here, we’ll explore critical questions engineers and procurement specialists should ask when selecting foam thickness for engineering applications.
The first step in foam selection is understanding the application’s environment and requirements. Will the foam be used for sealing, gasketing, or cushioning? Are there specific regulatory needs, such as a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) rating for safety compliance? Each factor will affect the thickness and material choice.
Medical device manufacturers might require thin, flexible foam for tubing insulation in hospital beds, whereas automotive applications may need thicker, durable foam for noise reduction in engine bays. We offer a wide array of materials from trusted suppliers, such as 3M and Rogers, ensuring we have options tailored to your project’s specific needs. Our team can help you navigate these unique needs and ensure compliance.
Foam thickness directly impacts how a material responds to pressure and movement. Determine the required compression range, as foam that is too thick or too thin might compromise function.
The foam must meet specific psi (pounds per square inch) standards in electronic components, where vibration dampening and thermal control are critical. Sur-Seal’s testing lab can assess foam under various pressures to find the right fit.
The foam serves different purposes in engineering applications. It may act as a sealant to keep air or moisture out or as an insulator to control temperature and sound. Understanding the core problem should guide your choice of foam thickness and type.
For outdoor lighting, where extreme temperatures are a concern, thermal management solutions require specific foam thickness to ensure longevity and performance. We help clients in the lighting industry achieve this balance, providing UL-rated foams that withstand high thermal demands.
Consider the materials adjacent to the foam, which can affect its longevity and functionality. Will the foam be exposed to oils, chemicals, or metals? This can impact the foam’s thickness and material requirements, and it’s essential for durability and compatibility.
In automotive applications, foams often come in contact with metals, oil, gas, and grease and require compatibility to prevent corrosion and degradation. Our wide array of materials and expertise in bonding allows us to match materials precisely for optimal performance.
At Sur-Seal, we don’t just provide materials—we solve engineering challenges. Our solutions include advanced thermal management for lighting systems, RFI/EMI shielding for sensitive medical devices, and noise reduction for automotive components. Here’s how we make it possible:
Sur-Seal can source specialized materials for most applications as a preferred converter for top suppliers, ensuring the highest standards for each project.
Our expert team collaborates with engineers to optimize material choice and configuration for real-world performance. We take pride in our “Find a Path to Yes” mentality—no matter the challenge, we’re here to make it work.
With a full-service testing lab and rapid prototyping capabilities, Sur-Seal provides solutions tailored to your project’s requirements, reducing risks and enhancing performance.
From 48-hour quotes to fast delivery, we prioritize our customers’ needs, enabling engineers and procurement teams to move from concept to completion efficiently.
We identify opportunities for cost-saving, efficiency, and performance enhancement by analyzing and deconstructing complex components.
At Sur-Seal, our commitment to providing custom-engineered solutions, rapid response, and diverse material access makes us a preferred partner for engineers and procurement teams alike. We serve various markets, including:
Our strategic partnerships and deep industry expertise have built a reputation as a trusted materials converter, supplying solutions to Tier 1 and Tier 2 manufacturers in these markets!
Let us help you create better products, reduce costs, and overcome engineering challenges. Together, we’ll find the path to “yes.”
Interested in learning more about Sur-Seal’s capabilities? Contact us for a quote, schedule a lunch-and-learn with our Solutions Engineering team, or request a custom sample kit for hands-on evaluation of our products.
