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A neoprene pad possesses physical, chemical, and weather-resistant properties that make it applicable in a wide range of environments. Neoprene’s ability to absorb shock is one of its most prized qualities. The synthetic elastomer neoprene, also known as CR rubber or polychloroprene, is used in applications such as a neoprene pad, a neoprene bumper, and neoprene bearing pads for bridges. These objects are made possible by neoprene’s multi-functionality. It works well in many niche situations, and its well-roundedness makes it an outstanding general-purpose material. For example, the sleeves that cushion and protect laptops and other electronics are one of the many ways in which neoprene is important to our lives. Another example includes the seat covers that stretch over the seats of your car. Even wetsuits are made of neoprene! All of these products utilize a cellular (or sponge) neoprene roll. In the case of wetsuits and other sewn neoprene parts, neoprene is used as a cross-linked fabric—a testament to its versatility. While these examples alone are enough to cement neoprene rubber as an indispensable resource, this discussion warrants further questions. What other applications use neoprene? What are neoprene pads used for? How strong is a neoprene pad? Does a neoprene pad compress? What are neoprene bumpers used for? In this article, we answer these questions, deep-diving into the reasons for why these applications require neoprene.
Neoprene – Commercial Grade – 60A – 1/16″ x 72″
Neoprene – Commercial Grade – 60A – 1/16″ x 72″
- Tasks that require flexible materials
- Industrial gasket, bumper, or sealing applications
- Projects that would be better served with wider sheets
- Industrial applications that involve oils, chemicals, ozone
- Applications that involve temperatures between -20° F and 212° F
72” Wide Sheet: This black neoprene sheet is specifically made to be 72” wide. The reason for this is because the standard 36” or 48” wide sheet rolls cannot satisfy the requirements of every application. We make 72” wide sheets of neoprene available so that you do not have to order too many materials for your job. It will help make sure that you have more to work with at a lower cost, minimizing the chances of you being stuck with unused leftover material. A standard roll of 72” wide flexible neoprene is well suited for large-scale industrial applications.
Good Resistance: The oil and chemical resistance of neoprene is in very popular with consumers. Being a synthetic elastomer, it comes with good resistance characteristics against some oils and chemicals. This feature comes in handy for industrial applications that see the presence of abrasive oils and chemicals. As a bumper, pad, or gasket, neoprene is well suited to performing in the presence of such hazards. It also possesses a good level of resistance against ozone.
Neoprene – Commercial Grade – 45A – 1/4″ x 36″
What Are Neoprene Pads Used For?
Neoprene pads are sheets of polychloroprene that are typically used to isolate and dampen vibrations. This includes noise, as well as shock. Most elastomers—synthetic or not—naturally absorb shock, thanks to their molecular structures. These large networks of linked molecules will flex in response to force, then return to their original forms once the force abates. This flexing and compressing causes much of that force to dissipate, dispersing the concentration of the energy before it can fully impact the object shielded by the neoprene pad. Thus, when vibrations pass through the pad, their strength significantly dampens. Padding made from chloroprene can often be found underneath mechanical equipment and industrial machinery. Neoprene padding will protect the floors and the machinery alike, reducing the chances that you will incur expensive repairs or replacements. A neoprene pad is also used as a “floating floor” in houses and buildings. This is just one way in which a neoprene sheet can be utilize in everyday life.
What Are Neoprene Bumpers Used For?
Neoprene bumpers are pieces of equipment meant to be placed between two colliding objects. A neoprene bumper protects the two objects from severely damaging each other when colliding with or scraping against one another. While not all bumpers are made from neoprene, many are. For example, mechanical applications often require neoprene for its moderate resistance to oil and its all-weather resilience. Neoprene bumpers can be found protecting a wall from a swinging doorknob, covering the bottom surface of heavy equipment, or layered into an automobile bumper. In fact, you might find neoprene under your computer or under the legs of your chair!
How Strong is Neoprene Against Wheel Cleaner
Does Bleach Affect Neoprene?
Does a Neoprene Pad Compress?
A neoprene pad definitely compresses. When it comes to neoprene, compression is a given. A testament to this point—neoprene bearing pads can be found in the structure of concrete bridges. The fundamental components of a concrete bridge include its deck and its support beams. Neoprene bearing pads are basically sheets of dense chloroprene rubber (neoprene), placed between the beams that support the bridge and the based upon which those beams are erected. This gives the bridge a great deal of flexibility, now being able to shift in accord with the excessive weight from cargo and the expansion and contraction of the bridge’s materials. And as you know by now, the neoprene bearing pads also reduce vibrations and sounds.
How Strong Is a Neoprene Pad?
A neoprene pad is a very strong object. Neoprene plays a crucial role in contemporary society. While a neoprene pad, a neoprene bumper, and a neoprene bearing pad typically evade our everyday perception, this does that mean that they are insignificant. They are essential for protecting and padding items (both large and small) that we use on a daily basis. The shock-absorbent quality of CR rubber is just one of its traits that makes chloroprene rubber (CR) so useful. This property, in conjunction with polychloroprene’s chemical resistances and all-weather resilience make neoprene the go-to material for making bumpers and stabilizing bridges. The neoprene sheet is a product whose true potential often goes undetected. But with a little bit of research, neoprene’s capabilities can be unlocked. Neoprene materials can seem intimidating at first, so we hope that this article alleviates some of your worries. Trying to purchase neoprene should never be a cumbersome task!
Closed Cell Rubber – Neoprene – 39″ x 78″
Closed Cell Rubber – Neoprene – 39″ x 78″
- Durometer rating of 20-25 Shore C
- Has a high level of compression strength
- Preferred for use in some automotive and industrial settings
- Neoprene foam can operate in temperatures as low as -40° F and as high as +200° F
Oil Resistance: Neoprene rubber is widely used in tasks that see a moderate presence of oils and greases. It offers a good level of resistance to those substances. Other materials can be stained or damaged by oil, but neoprene can stand up to such corrosive elements. Neoprene still demonstrates this trait even when comes in cellular rubber form. Closed cell neoprene sponge rubber can handle light to moderate contact with oils and greases without suffering from any immediate damage to its structure. As a result, a gasket made from neoprene foam rubber will last for a much longer period of time.
Weathering Resistance: In addition to oils and greases, neoprene can also operate in the outdoors. It can resist the degrading effects of UV rays, ozone, and even moisture from rainfall. It is very strong when it comes to UV rays. UV rays can cause damage such as discoloration in some materials, but will have a very hard time doing so with this foam rubber material. A big benefit of having a closed cell sponge rubber in wet and moist conditions is that the closed cell structure will not soak up any of the moisture. Water will be prevented from seeping into the material and causing any damage.