Cellular rubber

Cellular rubber at a glance

Cellular rubber is a closed-cell elastomer material for sealing and insulation tasks. The closed-cell structure supports reliable sealing, low water absorption and elastic adaptation to mating parts.

What cellular rubber is typically used for

Cellular rubber suits applications where a combination of sealing, damping and insulation is required, for example on housings, covers, flaps, doors, maintenance openings and in the machine and plant environment.

Direct route to suitable products

For cut pieces from sheet material, the page on cellular rubber rubber sheets is suitable. For sealing geometries and sealing strips, the entry point is via cellular rubber seals.

Basics and properties of cellular rubber

Cellular rubber has a closed-cell structure that makes the material largely insensitive to moisture. This makes it suitable for seals where water absorption, air permeability and compression set are to remain controllable.

Closed-cell structure

The individual cells are separated from one another. This reduces the penetration of liquids and supports uniform restoring force across the entire surface.

Elasticity and recovery behaviour

Cellular rubber adapts to unevenness and retains its dimensional stability even under repeated compression. This property is decisive for permanently functioning sealing connections.

Thermal and acoustic insulation

Due to the enclosed air content, cellular rubber offers an insulating effect against heat and sound. This makes it suitable for technical applications with additional requirements for insulation and vibration reduction.

Distinction from sponge rubber

Compared with open-cell sponge rubber, cellular rubber absorbs significantly less moisture. For applications with direct contact with water or condensate, cellular rubber is therefore the preferred solution. A detailed classification can be found on the page sponge rubber.

Areas of application for cellular rubber

Cellular rubber is used wherever reliable sealing with defined elasticity is required. Typical are technical applications with changing loads, temperature fluctuations or light media contact.

Mechanical and plant engineering

In mechanical engineering, cellular rubber serves to seal housings, maintenance openings, flaps and covers. The uniform restoring force supports permanently tight connections even under vibration.

Electrical engineering and control cabinet construction

In control cabinets and electrical housings, cellular rubber is used to keep out dust, splash water and draughts. The closed-cell structure supports stable sealing lines along doors and covers.

Vehicle and commercial vehicle construction

In vehicle construction, cellular rubber is used for seals on flaps, service openings and transitions. The combination of elasticity and low water absorption is decisive here.

Construction and façade technology

In construction, cellular rubber is used for separation, sealing and decoupling of components, for example on connecting joints or cover profiles.

For specific dimensions and formats, cellular rubber rubber sheets are available as cut-to-size material.

Formats, thicknesses and cut pieces

Cellular rubber is available as sheet material in various thicknesses and can be precisely cut to size. This makes the material suitable both for simple flat gaskets and for more complex contours.

Sheet formats

As standard, cellular rubber is supplied as sheet. Further processing takes place via cut pieces to fixed dimensions or as series cut pieces for recurring applications.

Material thicknesses

The available thickness influences the sealing effect and the necessary compression. Thinner thicknesses are suitable for tight installation situations, thicker grades for larger gap dimensions or increased tolerances.

Cut pieces to size

Cut-to-size pieces enable a precisely fitting integration into existing components. For individual dimensions and series requirements, cellular rubber rubber sheets offer the suitable basis.

For applications with defined sealing contours, cellular rubber seals are alternatively available.

Selection criteria for cellular rubber

The selection of cellular rubber depends on the requirements of the application. Decisive are ambient conditions, mechanical load and the desired sealing function.

Temperature range

The permissible service temperature range depends on the respective material grade. For applications with elevated or fluctuating temperatures, the specification should be checked in advance.

Compression set

Compression set describes how well the material returns to its original shape after compression. A low value supports permanently functional sealing connections.

Media contact

In case of contact with water, oils or cleaning media, it must be checked whether the cellular rubber grade used is designed for this. The closed-cell structure reduces the penetration of liquids.

Installation and compression

Cellular rubber requires a defined compression in order to develop its sealing effect. The material thickness should be matched to the available installation space and the installation conditions.

For application-specific solutions, cellular rubber seals offer a targeted implementation of defined sealing geometries.

Processing and installation

Cellular rubber can be processed efficiently and integrated into existing assemblies. The closed-cell structure supports a clean contact surface and a uniform sealing line.

Cutting and contours

Sheet material is suitable for cut pieces to size as well as for simple contours. For recurring applications, a series cut with consistent quality is advisable. The starting material is cellular rubber rubber sheets.

Bonding

Cellular rubber can be permanently fixed with suitable adhesive systems. A clean, low-stress bond supports the function of the seal over long periods of use.

Mechanical fixing

Alternatively, installation is carried out by clamping, bolting or insertion into grooves. The material elasticity supports uniform surface pressure.

Compression during installation

Uniform compression across the entire sealing surface supports the sealing effect. The material thickness should match the available installation space and the intended installation.

For ready-designed sealing solutions with a defined geometry, cellular rubber seals are available.

Distinction from similar materials

Cellular rubber is often considered together with other elastic materials. The differences lie mainly in the cell structure, the moisture absorption and the typical area of application.

Cellular rubber and sponge rubber

Cellular rubber has a closed-cell structure and is suitable for applications with increased moisture exposure. Sponge rubber is open-cell and is preferably used when air permeability or high compressibility are the priority. A material-related classification can be found under sponge rubber.

Cellular rubber and solid rubber

Compared with solid rubber, cellular rubber offers a lower density and additional damping and insulation properties. Solid rubber is used when high mechanical load capacity or abrasion resistance is required.

Typical decision aid

Cellular rubber is suitable for seals with moderate mechanical load, a defined compression range and requirements for sealing against moisture.

For specific applications, both cellular rubber rubber sheets and cellular rubber seals are available.

Frequently asked questions about cellular rubber

What is cellular rubber?

Cellular rubber is a closed-cell elastomer material that is used for sealing, damping and insulation tasks. The cell structure supports low water absorption and uniform recovery behaviour.

What is the difference between cellular rubber and sponge rubber?

Cellular rubber has a closed-cell structure and is suitable for applications with moisture exposure. Sponge rubber is open-cell and is used when high compressibility or air permeability is required.

Is cellular rubber waterproof?

Due to the closed-cell structure, cellular rubber absorbs hardly any water. For permanent use with media contact, the respective material grade should be checked.

In which thicknesses is cellular rubber available?

Cellular rubber is available in various material thicknesses. The selection depends on the installation space and the desired sealing effect. Suitable starting materials can be found at cellular rubber rubber sheets.

Are there cut pieces to size?

Cellular rubber can be precisely cut to size. For defined sealing geometries, cellular rubber seals are additionally available.

How is cellular rubber installed?

Installation is carried out by bonding, clamping or mechanical fixing. Decisive is uniform compression across the entire sealing surface.