45PPI Reticulated Polyurethane Foam
45PPI Reticulated Polyurethane Foam
Reticulated Polyurethane foams are manufactured in a number of grades, PPI’s and even colours, many of which are stocked by Advanced Seals & Gaskets Ltd or can easily sourced by one of our many reputable manufacturers. 45ppi Reticulated Polyurethane foam is also known in the industry by them names Retic foam, Reticulated PU, open cell PU, ‘Filter foam’ or Skeletal Foam due to its open cellular structure. Reticulated Foam are recognisable by their net or mesh like appearance - especially those between 10ppi and 30ppi where the holes are larger.
The holes that form the composition of these these foams vary in size and are referred to as ‘pores’, the material grade is defined by the number and size of of these pores within a square inch of material, hence the term PPI (pores per inch) - these cell or pore sizes range from 10PPI which is a very coarse grade up to 100PPI which has a more compact structure and softer feel. The lower the PPI, the lower the porosity - allowing more fluid and air flow, in contrast, the higher the PPI, the higher the porosity where the smaller cell and tighter cell structure results in air and liquid flow reduction - this is more the 80ppi - 100ppi range.
45PPI reticulated foam is a mid range grade, which like the others are manufactured in large blocks or ‘buns’ which are held in stock ready to be split down into sheets or split and joined into continuous lengths or rolls of material. Our in-house conversion facilities enable us to produce and supply 45PPI retic foam products starting from as little as 5mm thick, not just in sheet or roll form, but also as finished cut products such as gaskets, washers, pads and strips all of which can be supplied in a plain finish, coated with one of our many foils or self -adhesives or in even laminated to other materials to create composites.
Material Enquiry
For information on 45PPI Reticulated Polyurethane Foam please complete the following quick enquiry or call us on +44(0)1384 252555.
Characteristics of 45PPI Reticulated Foam:
- Sheet Size: 2x1 or 1m x 1m
- Density: 25.0 kg/m3
- Pore Density: 45 ppi
- Tensile Strength - 140 kPA -
- Compression Load Deflection ISO 3386: 4kPa
- Minimum Temperature : -30°C Maximum Temperature - +110°C
- Colour - Charcoal Grey (marine safe is available in a blue colour)
- Available in different shapes and profiles
- Properties: UV and light-resistant, resistant to ageing. Oil, chemical and contaminant resistant, reusable.
Full technical data can be supplied upon request,
or downloaded from our online portal.
What is 45PPI Reticulated Polyurethane Foam?
Reticulated polyurethane foam takes its name from the word Reticulated which means ‘net-like’. The lower the PPI - they larger the holes and the greater amount of airflow will occur, as the value of the PPI increases, so too do the number of pores with each grade varying in its effectiveness for use in specific filtration and absorption applications. Unlike the lower porosity grades, the 45ppi retic foam is a medium porosity with a less open cell structure making it effective depth loading filters for trapping dust particles. 45PPI retic foam has much smaller cells which are more closely packed together, giving it a less coarse and softer feel. 45ppi is the mid-range density which has smaller pores, but still remains an open cell and quick drying foam allowing air and liquids to freely pass through whilst trapping smaller dust and debris particles.
Why use 45PPI Reticulated Polyurethane Foam?
The PPI of the reticulated foam used is crucial in deciding which grade is used for different applications and environments, thickness of the foam used will also impact the filtration capacity as the thicker the foam, the less air or fluid that is allowed to flow through the foam - even more so when the material is under compression as the pores will decrease in size therefore reducing the amount of air and liquid passing through the product and also increasing the amount of dust and debris it catches.
45ppi Reticulated foams are more efficient than paper or cotton filters and liners with excellent water resistance, ideal for use within both air and moisture filtration. This mid range grade of retic foam has a high surface area and porosity, it will allow air and moisture to pass through, but at a slower more controlled rate than 10ppi with its smaller pores capable of catching finer particles and holding more dust. These features make 45ppi reticulated PU foam an excellent choice for use in applications requiring sound absorption, cushioning and vibration damping, it is also found commonly used in gasketing and sealing applications where low air permeability is required.
Available Grades of Polyurethane Foam
Advanced Seals & Gaskets work with a number of material manufacturers, giving our customers more choice when looking for polyurethane materials, our most popular types being:
- Acoustic
- egg box
- Pick & Pluck
- HLB
- Basotech
- Polyester
- Polyether
- Retic - 10PPI - 100PPI
Benefits of Using 45PPI Reticulated Polyurethane Foam
- Lightweight and mid range open cell structure
- Low odour
- High resistance to mould and mildew
- Chemical resistance
- Tear resistant and compressible
- Washable/Reusable
Advantages of using 45PPI Reticulated Polyurethane Foam
There are many reasons for using Reticulated Foams with each density offering varying levels of filtration. 45ppi offers excellent chemical and fuel resistance, good elongation and tear strength properties making it suitable for a number of demanding industries and applications. Due to the open cellular structure and soft nature of 45PPI Retic foam, when placed under pressure, the compressed the material, develops a new range of properties, altering its breathability, porosity, reducing the rate at which liquids and air can pass through and increasing the amount of waste, dust and debris that is caught and held within its pores. 45ppi is often used within HVAC equipment, such as very large compressors or blowers where air flow is higher, here a higher porosity is needed to handle the force and catch the dust being blown through. 45ppi is also the preferred choice for use withing power switch enclosures where the foam is used to prevent dust particles entering.
Our reticulated foams are not just available in different PPI’s, but can also be manufactured as an FR grade using a flame retardant additive to conform to FMVSS302 standards - this makes the material ideal for use in a range of demanding applications and environments. Reticulated PU foams can be made to order in different colours, and also be manufactured in most shapes and profiles including die-cut parts, egg-box profiles and even glued tubes and cylinders. Reticulated filter foams are resistant to mild acids and alkali's, salt water, fuel, organic chemicals, oils, lubricants, soaps and detergents.
Not only is 45ppi reticulated foam used for air and water filtration, it can also be used for sound absorption where it doesn't need to fully block noise, but just enough to absorb and manage the actual sound waves and vibration for example with aircrafts, industrial equipment and household appliances, fluid management in cosmetic and medical applications and as a cleaning product.
Please contact us using the form below or by calling us on +44(0)1384 252555.