When designing seals & gaskets, there are many considerations least of which is whether or not the compound specked should be open or closed cell material. Questions such as: what amount of force in pounds per square inch is required for an effective seal and yet not so tight that it prevents a tight seal need to be answered.
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All of Lauren Manufacturing’s sponge products are identified by a three-character Grade Number (example: 2A2). The three characters represent type, class and grade, and are defined as follows:
Type
Type 1 = Open cell
Type 2 = Closed cell
Class
Class A = Non-oil resistant (example: EPDM)
Class B = Oil resistant, low swell (example: Nitrile)
Class C = Oil resistant, medium swell (example: Neoprene)
Class D = Extreme temperature resistance (example: Silicone)
Grade
Grade ratings represent compression deflection, or the amount of force in pounds per square inch to deflect the sample 25% of its height.
They are as follows:
Grade 0 = less than 2 psi
Grade 1 = 2-5 psi
Grade 2 = 5-9 psi
Grade 3 = 9-13 psi (for classes A, B, C) 9-15 psi (for class D)
Grade 4 = 13-17 psi (for classes A, B, C) 22-30 psi (for class D)
Grade 5 = 17-25 psi (for classes A, B, C) 22-30 psi (for class D)
Example Line Call Out for Sponge
ASTM D-1056 2C2 A1 B2 E1 Z (Z = material passes FMVSS 302)
Suffix
Suffix numbers that follow the suffix letter denote different testing parameters or conditions for that suffix. Once testing is complete, a Line Call Out is assigned to the compound according to the basic and Suffix Requirements the compound has met.
Suffix Letter Test Required
A Heat resistance
B Compression set
C Ozone or weather resistance
D Compression deflection resistance
E Fluid resistance (Fuel B)
F Low temperature resistance
G Tear resistance
J Abrasion resistance
K Adhesion resistance
L Water absorption
M Flammability resistance
N Impact resistance
P Staining resistance
R Resilience
W Density
Z Any special requirements
