Open Cell Foam Tape
OPALUS PACK is a manufacturer of open cell foam tape for low-pressure sealing, cushioning, dust reduction, and gap filling in HVAC panels, electrical enclosures, appliances, and light industrial assemblies. The tape uses a soft open-cell polyurethane foam structure that compresses under light load and follows uneven surfaces without strong mounting force. It is designed for controlled compression sealing, not load-bearing structural bonding or long-term immersed waterproof sealing.
- Material: open cell polyurethane foam
- Structure: interconnected porous foam
- Density: 19-35 kg/m3
- Thickness: 2-15 mm
- Adhesive: single sided acrylic PSA
- Color: black, grey, white, or custom
Product Overview
OPALUS PACK open cell foam tape works as a compressible sealing layer between parts that do not always meet perfectly. In real assembly conditions, small gaps, uneven edges, powder-coated panels, and thin plastic housings often need a soft material that can take up tolerance without bending the part. The open pore network allows the foam to compress gradually, push air out of the cells, and build a wider contact area as the joint closes.
Typical test references for this grade include density around 19-35 kg/m3, 50-80 PPI pore structure, and compression force deflection of about 0.3-1.5 psi at 25% compression. These values explain why the tape can seal with low installation pressure. A lower density grade is useful for light cushioning and packaging contact, while a medium density grade gives better shape stability for cabinet doors, HVAC access panels, and appliance gaps. The adhesive layer is mainly used to hold the foam in position during assembly; the sealing result still depends on proper compression.
Benefits
- Soft compression helps seal thin metal or plastic parts without excessive tightening.
- Open pores allow easy deformation, so the tape follows rough or slightly uneven surfaces.
- Single sided adhesive keeps the strip in place during assembly and reduces installation drift.
- Controlled compression can reduce dust leakage, air gaps, and panel rattle.
- Foam recovery helps maintain contact after light vibration or repeated door closing.
- Thickness and density can be matched to the actual gap instead of relying on stronger adhesive.
How does open cell foam tape achieve sealing under low compression force?
Open cell foam tape seals by controlled deformation. When the foam is compressed, air inside the interconnected cells moves out and the cell walls collapse in a gradual, elastic way. This allows the material to spread into small surface gaps instead of forcing the joint closed. For many enclosure and HVAC applications, 20%-50% compression is a practical working range. Too little compression may leave airflow paths open, while too much compression can reduce recovery and increase compression set. This is why gap measurement before selection is more important than simply choosing the thickest foam.
TDS
| Item | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Foam Material | Open cell polyurethane foam |
| Foam Structure | Interconnected porous cell structure |
| Adhesive Type | Single sided acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive |
| Thickness Range | 2-15 mm |
| Density Range | 19-35 kg/m3 |
| Pore Size | 50-80 PPI |
| Compression Force Deflection | 0.3-1.5 psi @ 25% compression |
| Suggested Working Compression | 20%-50% |
| Compression Set | 10%-35% depending on grade and load time |
| Elongation | 120%-175% |
| Temperature Range | -20C to +70C continuous use |
| Color Options | Black / grey / white / custom |
| Supply Format | Rolls / slit rolls / die cut strips |
Applications
- HVAC duct covers, access panels, filter frames, and low-pressure air sealing positions.
- Electrical cabinet doors where dust reduction and gentle closing contact are required.
- Appliance housings that need gap filling between plastic or painted metal parts.
- Control boxes, display housings, and light equipment panels with minor tolerance variation.
- Packaging cushioning strips for fragile surfaces, coated parts, and separated components.
- Anti vibration contact points where foam damping helps reduce small rattling noise.
When should open cell foam tape be selected instead of dense or closed-cell materials?
Open cell foam tape is the better option when the joint needs softness, low compression force, and tolerance compensation more than waterproof blocking or structural holding. Dense foam or closed-cell materials may be preferred for higher water resistance or stronger pressure sealing, but they often need more force to compress. Open-cell foam is easier to close against lightweight panels and irregular surfaces. It should be selected for dust reduction, air gap control, cushioning, or noise reduction in relatively dry, low-pressure environments. It should not be specified as a permanent underwater seal or as a mounting tape for decorative trims, fixtures, or heavy parts.
FAQ
What is open cell foam tape mainly used for?
It is mainly used for low-pressure sealing, cushioning, gap filling, dust reduction, and vibration control in HVAC, enclosure, appliance, and packaging applications.
Does open cell foam tape create a waterproof seal?
No. The open pore structure can allow moisture transfer, especially before compression. It is not recommended for long-term immersion or high-pressure water sealing.
How should the thickness be selected?
Measure the actual gap first, then choose a foam thickness that can reach about 20%-50% compression after installation.
Can the tape recover after being compressed?
Yes, it has elastic recovery, but long-term recovery depends on density, compression set, load time, and service temperature.