Open Cell vs Closed Cell Foam

Understanding the Differences

When looking for a foam product, choosing the cell type best suited for your application is your first step. There are two types to choose from: open cell or closed cell foam. But what are the differences between the two? Which cell type works better in different situations? This guide will help give you an idea of what type of materials you are looking for.

Open Cell Foam

Open cell foam is a type of foam that is made up of flexible cells. These cells are connected to each other and are open to the surrounding environment. The open cell foam has almost a mesh like structure and is mostly empty space. This structure makes the foam breathable allowing air and moisture to pass through. It is also more resistant to mold and mildew and can be easily cut or shaped to fit any space. Open cell foam is generally more affordable than other types of foam, making it a great choice for projects on a budget.

Common Types of Open Cell Foams

Polyester – It resists water and moisture, has very good air permeability, and remains flexible over a long period of demanding usage. Although polyester behaves similarly to polyether foams, polyester is slightly more rigid. It is a popular choice for gasketing and vibration / noise dampening for a variety of different industries.

Polyether – It resists water and moisture, has very good air permeability, and remains flexible over a long period of demanding usage. Although polyether behaves similarly to polyester foams, polyether is slightly less rigid. It is a popular choice for gasketing and vibration / noise dampening for a variety of different industries.

Sponge Rubber – It has high compression with a fast recovery, extremely durable with shock absorption, and has non-skid properties. It is made from natural rubber. It is used in a variety of industries, including automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

Urethane – Although an open cell foam, when compressed it acts more like a closed cell foam. It is highly resistant to weather extremes, fungi, and oxidation. It is a popular choice for gasketing, thermal shielding, vibration / noise dampening and for a variety of industrial industries.

Open Cell Products

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Open Cell Foam Tapes, Plastic Foams
Polyester Foam Tape – Ultra Soft – P8500

Polyester - Polyurethane Foam Tape. Open cell ultra soft, charcoal gray, with a coarse open surface. It is also known…
P8500

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Open Cell Foam Tapes, Plastic Foams
Polyether Foam Tape – Ultra Soft – P8500E

Polyether - Polyurethane Foam Tape. Open cell ultra soft, gray, with a smooth open surface. It is also known as…
P8500E

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Neoprene and Rubber Foam Tapes
Sponge Rubber Tape – Medium – P8000

Sponge Rubber Foam Tape. Open cell medium, black, with a crisscross surface. Very durable, non-slip, cushioning, textured, rubber foam with…
P8000

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Plastic Foams
Urethane Foam Tape – firm – U6000 – DISCONTINUED

The U6000 Series is in process of being discontinued. Orders will be fulfilled until inventory is depleted. Alternative is the…
U6000

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Plastic Foams
Urethane Foam Tape – soft – U6100 – Poron

Urethane Foam Tape. Open cell soft, black, with a smooth skin surface. Durable foam with an industry leading adhesive bond.…
U6100

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Plastic Foams
Urethane Foam Tape – firm – U6200

Urethane Double Sided Foam Tape. Closed cell firm, black, with a smooth skin surface. High strength and performance foam with…
U6200

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Plastic Foams
Urethane Foam Tape with Mylar Film- soft – U6300 – Poron

Urethane Foam Tape. Open cell soft, black, with a smooth skin surface. Durable foam with an industry leading adhesive bond.…
U6300

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Plastic Foams
Urethane Foam Tape – firm – U6500

Urethane Foam Tape. Open cell firm, black, with a smooth skin surface. Extremely durable foam with an industry leading adhesive…
U6500

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Plastic Foams
Urethane Foam Tape – Extra Firm – UR1700

Urethane Foam Tape. Closed cell high density, extra firm, black, with a smooth skin surface. Extremely durable high-density foam with…
UR1700

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Plastic Foams
Urethane Foam Tape – medium – SG6400

Urethane Double Sided Foam Tape. Open cell medium, black, with a smooth skin surface. High performance double sided foam with…
SG6400

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Plastic Foams
Urethane Foam Tape – medium – SG6500

Urethane Foam Tape. Open cell medium, black, with a smooth skin surface. High performance foam with an industry leading adhesive…
SG6500

Closed Cell Foam

Closed cell foam is a type of foam that is made up of cells that are completely sealed off and not connected to each other. This means that no air or water can pass through the foam, making it an excellent choice for waterproofing and insulation. Closed cell foam is also more durable and resistant to abrasion than open cell foam, making it a great choice for high-impact applications. Closed cell foam is also more expensive than open cell foam, but the extra cost is often worth the added durability. There are a many different types of closed cell foams, but they all typically share these qualities.

Common Types of Closed Cell Foams

Neoprene – A synthetic rubber material with excellent resistance to oil, weather, and ozone. It is flexible and has good insulation properties, making it a popular choice for a variety of applications.

EPDM – A type of synthetic rubber with excellent heat, chemical, and ozone resistance. It has variety of industrial applications and is commonly used in gaskets, seals, and other products.

Blended Neoprene/EPDM/SBR – A combination of neoprene, EPDM, and SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) materials. It has excellent resistance to weather, ozone, and oils, making it a popular choice for outdoor applications.

Polyethylene – A lightweight, chemically stable plastic foam. It is highly resistant to corrosion and is durable, making it a popular choice for a variety of industrial applications.

Silicone – A flexible, temperature-resistant material. It is ideal for sealing and protecting outdoor enclosures such as HID lighting fixtures, electronic cabinets, and HVAC units from environmental damage. It is also recommended for isolating vibration in electronic components and vehicles.

Vinyl Nitrile – A synthetic rubber material with excellent resistance to moisture, fire, and chemicals. It is widely utilized for roof curb sealing, pipe wrapping, filter gasketing, and a variety of other demanding HVAC applications.

PVC Vinyl – A flexible, synthetic material that is resistant to water and moisture, making it a popular choice for a variety of applications including HVAC, transportation, marine, construction, and automobile industries.

Vinyl Neoprene – A resilient and durable material that has excellent sound and thermal insulation properties. It is often used for gaskets, weatherstripping, and other applications requiring a flexible and durable material.

Viton® – Also known as FKM, is a flourelastomer with excellent resistance to heat and chemicals, making it an ideal choice for a variety of industrial applications. It is commonly used in gaskets, seals, and other products that need to resist harsh environmental conditions.

Closed Cell Products

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Neoprene and Rubber Foam Tapes
Neoprene Foam Tape – Soft – NE4100

100% Neoprene Foam Tape. Closed cell soft, black, with a smooth surface. Best quality neoprene foam with an industry leading…
NE4100

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Neoprene and Rubber Foam Tapes
Neoprene Foam Tape – Firm – NE4300

100% Neoprene Foam Tape. Closed cell firm, black, with a smooth surface. Best quality neoprene foam with an industry leading…
NE4300

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Neoprene and Rubber Foam Tapes
Neoprene Foam Tape – Extra Firm – NE4400

Neoprene Foam Tape. Closed cell extra firm, black, with a smooth surface. Best quality extra firm neoprene foam with an…
NE4400

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Neoprene and Rubber Foam Tapes
EPDM – Medium Foam Tape – P9100

EPDM Foam Tape. Closed cell medium, black, with a smooth surface. Great quality with excellent UV and temperature resistance foam…
P9100

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Neoprene and Rubber Foam Tapes
EPDM Foam Tape – Soft – P9200

EPDM Foam Tape. Closed cell soft, black, with a smooth surface. Great quality with excellent UV and temperature resistance foam…
P9200

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Neoprene and Rubber Foam Tapes
EPDM Foam Tape – Soft – P9300

EPDM Foam Tape. Closed cell soft, black, with a smooth surface. Great quality with excellent UV and temperature resistance foam…
P9300

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Neoprene and Rubber Foam Tapes
Neoprene / EPDM Blend Foam Tape – Soft/Medium – P8100UL

Neoprene / EPDM blend Foam Tape. Closed cell soft, black, with a smooth surface. Also known as Blended EPDM foam…
P8100UL

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Neoprene and Rubber Foam Tapes
Neoprene / EPDM Blend Foam Tape – Medium – P8100

Neoprene / EPDM blend Foam Tape. Closed cell medium, black, with a smooth surface. Durable industrial strength foam with an…
P8100

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Neoprene and Rubber Foam Tapes
Neoprene / EPDM Blend Foam Tape – Soft – P8200

Neoprene / EPDM blend Foam Tape. Closed cell soft, black, with a smooth surface. Durable industrial strength foam with an…
P8200

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Neoprene and Rubber Foam Tapes
Neoprene / EPDM Blend Foam Tape – Soft – P8200DC – Double Sided

Neoprene / EPDM blend Double Sided Foam Tape. Closed cell soft, black, with a smooth surface. Durable double sided PSA…
P8200DC

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Neoprene and Rubber Foam Tapes
Neoprene / EPDM Blend Foam Tape – Firm – P8300

Neoprene / EPDM blend Foam Tape. Closed cell firm, black, with a smooth surface. Firm with durable industrial strength foam…
P8300

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Plastic Foams
Polyethylene Foam Tape – Soft – PF1600

Polyethylene Foam Tape. Closed cell soft, white or black, with a smooth surface. Cross Linked PE foam with an industry…
PF1600

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Plastic Foams
Polyethylene Foam Tape- Soft – P4200 – Double Sided

Polyethylene Double Sided Foam Tape. Closed cell soft, white or black, with a smooth surface. Double-sided cross-linked PE foam with…
P4200

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Plastic Foams
Polyethylene Foam Tape – Soft – P4300 – Double Sided

Polyethylene Double Sided Foam Tape. Closed cell soft, white or black, with a smooth surface. Double-sided cross-linked PE foam with…
P4300

Foam Tape & Gaskets, High Temperature Foam Tapes, Neoprene and Rubber Foam Tapes
Silicone Foam Tape – Medium – High Temperature PSA – S600

Silicone Foam Tape. Open/Closed cell medium, black, gray, or red, with a smooth skin surface. High temperature, corrosion, flame, UV…
S600

Foam Tape & Gaskets, High Temperature Foam Tapes, Neoprene and Rubber Foam Tapes
Silicone Foam Tape – Medium- High Temperature PSA – S800

Silicone Foam Tape. Open/Closed cell medium, black, gray, or red, with a smooth skin surface. Special order high temperature silicone…
S800

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Neoprene and Rubber Foam Tapes
Nitrile / Vinyl Blend Foam Tape – Soft – P8600

Nitrile Blend Foam Tape. Closed cell soft, black, with a smooth surface. Insulating, sound absorbing, UL, flame and smoke rated…
P8600

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Plastic Foams
PVC Foam Tape – Medium – VF1100

PVC Foam Tape. Closed cell medium, gray, with a smooth skin surface. Cushioning and gap filling gasket foam with an…
VF1100

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Plastic Foams
PVC Foam Tape – Medium – VF1200

PVC Foam Tape. Closed cell medium, black, with a smooth skin surface. Cushioning and gap filling gasket foam with an…
VF1200

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Plastic Foams
PVC Foam Tape – Soft- VF1300

PVC Foam Tape. Closed cell soft, gray, with a smooth skin surface. Cushioning and gap filling gasket foam with an…
VF1300

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Plastic Foams
PVC Foam Tape – Soft – VF5100

PVC Foam Tape. Closed cell soft, gray, with a smooth skin surface. Reverse wound, cushioning and gap filling gasket foam…
VF5100

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Plastic Foams
PVC Foam Tape – Medium- VF5300

PVC Foam Tape. Closed cell medium, gray, with a smooth skin surface. Reverse wound, cushioning and gap filling gasket foam…
VF5300

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Plastic Foams
PVC Foam Tape – Firm – VF5400

PVC Foam Tape. Closed cell firm, black, with a smooth skin surface. Reverse wound, cushioning and gap filling gasket foam…
VF5400

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Plastic Foams
PVC Foam Tape – Soft – VF5600

PVC Foam Tape. Closed cell soft, black, with a smooth skin surface. Reverse wound, cushioning and gap filling gasket foam…
VF5600

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Plastic Foams
PVC Foam Tape – Firm – VF10100

PVC Foam Tape. Closed cell firm, white, with a smooth skin surface. Cushioning and gap filling foam with an industry…
VF10100

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Plastic Foams
PVC Foam Tape – Firm – VF10200

PVC Foam Tape. Closed cell firm, black, with a smooth skin surface. Cushioning and gap filling foam with an industry…
VF10200

Foam Tape & Gaskets, Plastic Foams
PVC Foam Tape – Firm – VF10300

PVC Foam Tape. Closed cell firm, gray, with a smooth skin surface. Cushioning and gap filling foam with an industry…
VF10300