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Selection guide

EPDM foam thickness and density selection guide

Two numbers decide whether a foam part works: density (kg/m³) and thickness (mm). This guide maps common applications to starting values you can specify today.

What density actually changes

Density is the weight of foam per cubic metre. Raising it makes the foam stiffer, stronger and more resistant to compression set, and usually improves sealing force — at the cost of weight and softness. Lower density gives a softer, more conformable material that absorbs sound efficiently and presses into irregular surfaces.

EPDM foam continuous production line, open and closed cell
Continuous foaming line — thickness and density are set at the line, not after.

What thickness actually changes

Thickness controls how much gap the foam can fill and, in acoustic work, which frequencies it absorbs. Thin foam seals; thick foam insulates and absorbs. Automotive body seals typically use thin sections, while acoustic and construction layers are thick.

Starting points by application

ApplicationCell structureDensityThicknessNote
Automotive door / window sealClosed70–110 kg/m³2–12 mmSkin or adhesive tape common
Glazing and expansion-joint gasketClosed90–150 kg/m³3–15 mmCompression recovery matters
HVAC and pipe insulationClosed70–200 kg/m³6–25 mmWater resistance and low conductivity
Refrigeration linesClosed70–200 kg/m³10–25 mmCondensation control is the driver
Electronics / appliance gasketClosed100–200 kg/m³2–6 mmDust and moisture sealing
Interior acoustic layerOpen80–120 kg/m³10–40 mmSound absorption
Construction / industrial sound controlOpen100–140 kg/m³20–60 mmOften combined with a barrier layer
Metal-contact sealingOpen or closedAnyAnySpecify the sulfur-free grade

Our range at a glance

GradeStructureDensity (kg/m³)ThicknessWorking temperature (peak)
Open-Cell AOpen80±102–60 mm−45 °C to 180 °C
Open-Cell BOpen100±102–60 mm−45 °C to 181 °C
Open-Cell COpen120±102–60 mm−45 °C to 180 °C
Close-CellClosed70–200 (customized)2–40 mm−45 °C to 182 °C
Low SulfurOpen or closedOpen 70–140 / closed 70–2002–40 mm−45 °C to 182 °C
High Water ResistanceOpen or closedOpen 70–140 / closed 70–3002–40 mm−45 °C to 182 °C
High Flame RetardantOpen or closedOpen 80–140 / closed 70–2002–40 mm−45 °C to 182 °C

Width range 1000–1500 mm. Available as block, sheet and roll, with single or double-sided skin and sulfur-free options.

How to specify in four lines. 1) Application and medium in contact. 2) Temperature: continuous and peak. 3) Available gap in mm. 4) Any standard that must be met (UL94, FMVSS 302, REACH, RoHS, IMDS). With those four answers we confirm grade, density and thickness — usually the same working day.

Delivery forms: sheets, rolls, tapes and profiles

Thickness and density describe the material itself. How it reaches your line depends on the form you order — the same compound is supplied as sheet, roll, tape or cut part.

Tell us the form, the tolerance and the annual volume — most programmes ship as a mix of two or three of the above.

Frequently asked questions

What density EPDM foam should I use?

As a rule: 70-110 kg/m³ for soft sealing and acoustic layers, 100-140 kg/m³ for general sealing and construction, and 140-200 kg/m³ where stiffness, load bearing or tight gaskets are needed.

What thickness of EPDM foam do I need?

Thin sections (2-6 mm) suit gaskets and electronic seals; 6-15 mm covers most automotive and HVAC sealing; 15-30 mm is typical for acoustic and thermal layers; up to 60 mm is available in open cell for construction and industrial sound control.

Can EPDM foam be supplied with adhesive or a skin?

Yes. Foam can be supplied with single-sided or double-sided skin, and converted into sheets, rolls, tape, strips and die-cut gaskets.