Sheet Rubber

What is Neoprene Used For?

Overall Texture View of Neoprene 45A Rubber Sheet

Since its invention in 1930, the uses of neoprene have expanded from being just an oil-resistant alternative to natural rubber to being used in a variety of industrial and household applications. The uses of neoprene are diverse due to its durability, elasticity, insulating capabilities, resistance to oil and moisture, and resilience against outdoor environments. Neoprene material is ideal for industrial applications because these areas often see abrasive materials and corrosive chemicals and oils. Although neoprene material is generally used for industrial applications, they can also be used for many common everyday applications. Neoprene rubber can be used for applications including seals and gaskets, conveyer belts, protective pads and bumpers, soundproofing, military equipment, household items, athletic supports and braces, and hoses.

Neoprene – Commercial Grade – 70A

Neoprene 70A Black Rubber Corner
Neoprene 70A Black Rubber Different Thickness Stack on Top of Each Other

What is the Function of Neoprene?

Initially, the uses of neoprene were limited to being an oil-resistant alternative to natural rubber; however, in today’s world, the uses of neoprene have expanded into multiple applications including household goods, high tech and athletics. One type of neoprene is available in solid rubber form. When speaking of the solid form of neoprene, it is important to understand the range of durometers that are available for solid neoprene sheets. Durometer refers to the hardness of a certain material and, in the case of neoprene material, the Shore A Scale (the shore scale used to measure flexible materials) is used to determine durometer. Neoprene sheets are available, through our firm, in five durometers ranging from 45 Shore A to 80 Shore A with hardness, density and weight increasing with higher durometers. In addition, neoprene is also available in two types of foam forms: open cell neoprene and closed cell neoprene. Open cell neoprene sheets are more porous in nature; however, they have the ability to disperse energy, impact and sound with its composition. Closed cell neoprene sheets have a more solid structure, lower absorption rates, and offers a lower compression set than that of open cell neoprene. Neoprene is made up of chemicals including petrochemicals and chlorine that give it enhanced durability in the face of outdoor environments, chemicals, oils, and gases. This durable synthetic rubber can be used to make oil-resistant seals and gaskets, protective pads and bumpers, and even clothing.

What are the Uses of Neoprene?

The uses of neoprene can include heavy-duty industrial or common everyday applications, such as seal and gaskets, conveyor belts, protective pads and bumpers, soundproofing, military gear and equipment, household items and cleaning gloves, athletic supports and braces, and hoses. Neoprene is able to be used in such applications due to its durability and resistance to heat, chemicals, and oil. Additionally, neoprene pads can stand up well against outdoor damaging factors such as direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone. Due to neoprene’s low compression set and high durometer rating, neoprene material is extremely difficult to tear or break; therefore, making it the ideal material for highly abrasive applications.

Neoprene – CG – 60A – 72″ Wide

  • 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.

Closed Up View on the Corner of Closed Cell Blend Rubber Sheet

Closed Cell Rubber – Blend – 39″ x 78″

$16.90$268.93

Some Sizes are Out of Stock. Free Shipping On Orders Over $99 Custom Cut Parts? Call 1-844-Rubber-4

Corner Texture View of Closed Cell Neoprene Rubber Sheet

Closed Cell Rubber – Neoprene – 39″ x 78″

$25.36$403.40

Some Sizes are Out of Stock.Free Shipping On Orders Over $99
Custom Cut Parts? Call 1-844-Rubber-4

General Purpose Rubber – Black – 60A

General Purpose Black 60A Texture
Overall Texture View of General Purpose Rubber Sheet

Seals and Gaskets
One of the most common uses of neoprene is in the form of seals and gaskets. These are generally seen in automotive or industrial businesses, due to neoprene’s resistance to oil, but can be used wherever protection is necessary. Neoprene gaskets are used to prevent the leaking of oil or moisture from equipment and can be cut into custom shapes and sizes according to a specific application. Neoprene seals are used to cover the openings of shafts to prevent leakage. They are often flat and feature a lip that further prevents leakage that may slip through the sides. Due to its resistance to abrasions, oil, and gasoline and a high tolerance to high temperatures, seals and gaskets made of neoprene are able to withstand harsh conditions while its high tensile strength prevents them from breaking or tearing while in use.

Conveyor Belts
Neoprene was among the very first rubber products to be used as a drive belt or conveyor belt. Conveyor belts are commonly found in industrial settings where abrasive products and raw materials are being transferred on these belts. Industrial setting may involve the use or storage of chemicals making neoprene material a valuable asset for making industrial conveyer belts. Neoprene’s high tensile strength will prevent the belt from tearing or breaking upon contact with heavy or abrasive materials. Furthermore, neoprene has a low compression set making it a trusted and resilient option for conveyor belts compared to other materials.

Protective Pads and Bumpers
Protective uses of neoprene are found in the form of pads and bumpers. Neoprene retains excellent shock absorbing capabilities making it the ideal material for creating protective pads and bumpers. Protective pads and bumpers can be found both indoors and outdoors such as industrial workplaces and boat decks making neoprene the ideal versatile material. The durable neoprene material is able to resist damage caused by outdoor environmental factors including sunlight and moisture. Furthermore, neoprene also retains a low compression set which allows neoprene to be compressed for long periods of time without becoming disfigured. The neoprene will also prevent moisture from permeating through the material. Neoprene is an excellent impact buffer between two objects or between the floor and falling objects by providing a cushioned surface that will absorb the force of impact.

Corner View of Three Sheets of Neoprene 80A Rubber Sheets With Different Dimensions

Neoprene – Commercial Grade – 80A – 1/32″ x 36″

$28.50$207.50

Some Sizes are Out of Stock.Free Shipping On Orders Over $99 Custom Cut Parts? Call 1-844-Rubber-4

Closed Cell Rubber – Neoprene

  • 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.

Neoprene – Commercial Grade – 80A

Neoprene 70A Black Rubber Corner
Corner View of Three Sheets of Neoprene 80A Rubber Sheets With Different Dimensions

Soundproofing
Neoprene pads are able to reduce the amount of noise created by vibrations. Sound dampening neoprene pads are often used under vibrating or active equipment and machinery to reduce the noise caused by the constant rattling of the object on a floor’s surface. The neoprene material will disperse the energy of sound within its structure to dampen the noise produced. Neoprene isolation pads can be used under equipment or used to cover the entire space. Additionally, you may also find neoprene pads on door frames which serve as a medium to reduce sound and cushion the door from the frame.

Military Equipment
Military equipment and combat gear must be durable enough to withstand the harsh conditions and rigorous activity to which they are often subjected. In fact, at the time of neoprene’s introduction into society, the uses of neoprene were extremely helpful during World War II. Neoprene will not deteriorate under harsh outdoor conditions while still being a lightweight material. Neoprene’s elasticity allows for unrestricted comfort during rigorous activities. Additionally, neoprene material will not lose its shape or tear easily due to its low compression set and high tensile strength.

Household Items
The uses of neoprene are not limited to industrial applications and can be used for smaller household applications including laptop pads, tablet holders, and cleaning gloves. Neoprene pads provide protection for fragile household items such as electronics or glassware. It is soft enough to provide a protective cushion while also being durable enough to resist damage to the material itself. In addition, with increased durability and chemical resistance, neoprene material is the ideal option for making protective cleaning gloves. Cleaning chemicals, such as ammonium, can cause skin irritation but, due to neoprene’s tolerance to chemicals, it is an excellent material for cleaning gloves. Furthermore, these gloves are a cost-effective investment because these durable neoprene gloves will outlast their competitors.

Athletic Supports and Braces
The uses of neoprene have breached into the field of sports medicine due to neoprene’s insulating and elastic qualities. Neoprene excels in flexibility making it appropriate to wear as an accessory, like athletic supports and braces. Neoprene is a hardy material that can withstand everyday use while maintaining its integrity and offering moderate insulation. Due to its resistance to moisture, neoprene is suitable for sports-related braces where sweating is inevitable. Neoprene material is also well regarded for its insulating capabilities that can be helpful in the healing process of injuries. Neoprene is an insulating material that “retains heat to help aid in compression and improved blood circulation (the compression and warmth that neoprene knee braces provide increased the circulation that helps speed up the recovery of injured ligaments in the knee)” (braceability.com). Neoprene’s insulation capabilities are not limited to knee braces but can be a beneficial material to use for any brace.

Neoprene – Commercial Grade – 50A

  • Black neoprene with smooth finish
  • Can handle outdoor weather conditions
  • Great as industrial seals, gaskets, and bumpers
  • Can operate in temperatures between -20° F and 212° F
  • Can be used in applications that may involve the presence of oils and chemicals

A More Flexible Rubber: This black neoprene sheet has a durometer rating of 50, which is a medium grade level. This medium durometer level attributes a moderate amount of flexibility and durability. It is a moderately pliable and elastic rubber when compared to neoprene material of a higher durometer rating. This increased elasticity makes it more open to physical indentation. This flexible neoprene can easily be applied to any industrial applications that need pliable rubber components.

Neoprene Resistance Quality: Neoprene rubber is known to exhibit moderate levels of resistance against oils, chemicals, and environmental factors. These resistance qualities were what made neoprene material famous in the first place. Its durability in the presence of oils and chemicals means that it is good for industrial applications in the forms of seals and gaskets. As an added benefit, our neoprene sheet rubber can also be used in the outdoors because it features resistance capabilities against weathering factors such as ozone.

Neoprene – Commercial Grade – 50A

Neoprene 70A Black Rubber Corner
Neoprene 70A Black Rubber Different Thickness Stack on Top of Each Other

Hoses
Exhibiting resistance to oils and chemicals, the uses of neoprene can be broadened to hosing applications. When speaking of hoses, there are different types, such as garden hoses and industrial hoses, that each transfer materials that can range from water to oils and chemicals. Neoprene is the ideal material for making hoses because it will not break down when coming in contact with harsh chemicals and oils. It is also a waterproof material that will allow water to pass through the hose without permeating through the material. Furthermore, the low compression set of neoprene material allows neoprene hoses to expand according to the pressure flowing through the hose without tearing.

The uses of neoprene are not limited to only industrial applications. Instead, neoprene’s applications have evolved from its original purpose of being a more durable replacement for natural rubber to being used in common household applications. Due to its high tensile strength and low compression set, neoprene material can be used for heavy-duty applications without worry of damage by corrosive or abrasive materials. Its lightweight and insulating qualities also make neoprene the ideal material for combat gear and braces for injuries. While the uses of neoprene had very specific purposes and applications in the past, today, many choose to use neoprene for a wider range of applications encompassing even household applications.

Closed Cell Rubber – Blend

  • Temperature Range: -40 F to +200 F
  • Durometer rating of 20-25 Shore C
  • Sheets available in size of 39in by 78in
  • Ideal for use in shock absorption and gasket related applications
  • A versatile blend of closed cell sponge available at affordable rates

Moderate Weather Resistance: This closed cell sponge rubber benefits from the presence of Neoprene material since each sponge sheet is composed of Neoprene and SBR. A characteristic of Neoprene rubber is its good resistance to outdoor weathering effects such as UV rays and ozone. As a result, it is often employed wherever a rubber part is needed for the outdoors. This blended cellular rubber possesses a moderate degree of outdoor weather resistance.

A Durable Sponge Rubber: As a direct benefit from the SBR rubber used to make it, this closed cell sponge rubber possesses a good degree of physical durability. SBR is known for its superior physical strength and resistance to physical abrasions. It is the reason why SBR is so popular for use in vehicle tires, which are expected to endure harsh physical conditions on a daily basis. Although cellular rubber tends to be a softer material overall, especially when compared to its regular solid rubber counterparts, it is still durable enough to handle some moderate level physical abrasions.