Open Cell Silicone Foam Sheets is a high-temperature silicone cushioning material widely used in heat presses, steam ironing equipment, vacuum tables, and industrial heat transfer systems. Featuring an interconnected open-cell structure, it allows excellent airflow and steam distribution while providing outstanding resilience under repeated compression. As a result, it delivers consistent pressing performance, extended service life, and reliable operation across industries such as garment manufacturing, woodworking, electronics, and renewable energy.
In this guide, Belota explores the structure, key features, specifications, available grades, applications, and advantages of Open Cell Silicone Foam.
What Is Open Cell Silicone Foam Sheets?
Open cell silicone foam sheets is a lightweight polyurethane (PU) foam impregnated with specially formulated silicone. Unlike closed-cell foam, its interconnected pore structure allows air and steam to pass freely through the material, making it ideal for applications requiring vacuum suction, steam circulation, and uniform heat distribution.
The silicone impregnation significantly improves the foam's resilience, compression resistance, and thermal stability. Compared with conventional latex foam, Open Cell Silicone Foam typically offers up to three times longer service life under similar operating conditions.
In addition, the material features a smooth surface, lightweight construction, excellent dimensional stability, low outgassing characteristics, flame resistance, and non-toxic properties, making it suitable for demanding industrial environments.
Key Features of Open Cell Silicone Foam
- High Temperature Resistance: Designed to perform continuously in temperatures ranging from -60°C to +220°C, with short-term exposure up to approximately 260°C, making it suitable for various industrial heating applications.
- Excellent Resilience: Recovers quickly after repeated compression, maintaining consistent cushioning performance and ensuring even pressure distribution throughout the pressing process.
- Uniform Heat and Steam Distribution: Its open-cell structure allows heat and steam to circulate evenly across the entire surface, reducing hot spots and improving product quality.
- Outstanding Aging and UV Resistance: Selected grades provide excellent resistance to oxidation, ozone, and ultraviolet (UV) exposure, helping extend material lifespan in harsh operating environments.
- Effective Shock Absorption: Absorbs vibration and impact effectively, protecting both equipment and processed materials during operation.
- Long Service Life: Offers significantly longer durability than conventional latex foam—typically up to three times longer under comparable working conditions—helping reduce maintenance frequency and replacement costs.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Open Cell Silicone Foam |
| Cell Structure | Open Cell |
| Density | 0.10–0.45 g/cm³ |
| Thickness | 5–15 mm (Custom sizes available) |
| Width | 1,000–1,500 mm |
| Roll Length | 5 m or 10 m |
| Hardness | 15–45 Shore |
| Continuous Operating Temperature | -60°C to +220°C |
| Short-Term Temperature Resistance | Up to approximately 260°C |
| Colors | Blue, Red, Gray, Yellow, Orange (depending on grade) |
| Flame Rating | UL94 V-0 (available on selected grades) |
Open Cell Silicone Foam Sheets Grades Available at Belota
DH-10 Open Cell Silicone Foam
With a density of 0.10 g/cm³, DH-10 is the softest foam in the DH series. Its highly porous structure delivers excellent air permeability and steam ventilation, keeping vacuum tables dry while improving suction efficiency and extending equipment life.
Recommended applications:
- Vacuum ironing tables
- Heat press machines
- Garment finishing equipment
DH-15 Open Cell Silicone Foam
Featuring a density of 0.15 g/cm³, DH-15 provides excellent resilience and uniform steam distribution. Its moisture-resistant properties make it an ideal cushioning layer for steam presses and heat transfer equipment, helping improve garment finishing quality.
DH-20 Open Cell Silicone Foam
DH-20 has a density of 0.20 g/cm³, providing an ideal balance between softness and load-bearing capability. It offers excellent heat resistance, durability, and resilience while allowing efficient steam circulation.
Typical applications include:
- Vacuum ironing tables
- Industrial steam presses
- Commercial laundry equipment
DH-25 Open Cell Silicone Foam
With a density of 0.25 g/cm³, DH-25 features an ultra-fine open-cell structure that distributes steam evenly across the pressing surface. It is widely used in heat presses, specialty pressing tables, and heat transfer equipment where consistent pressure and surface finish are essential.
DH-R16-10 Open Cell Silicone Foam
DH-R16-10 is a red silicone foam with a density of 0.16–0.17 g/cm³. It features a smooth surface, excellent resilience, and outstanding air permeability, making it particularly suitable for pressing delicate fabrics and premium textiles that require flawless surface finishing.
Belota also supplies additional grades including DH-30, DH-35, DH-40, DH-45, and DH-SBF-10, available in various densities and thicknesses to suit a wide range of heat pressing and vacuum applications. Please contact us for the latest availability and technical recommendations.
Classification of Open Cell Silicone Foam Sheets
Open cell silicone foam sheets is available in a range of densities to suit different operating requirements and applications.
Ultra Soft Grade (0.10–0.15 g/cm³)
- Extremely soft with excellent resilience.
- Superior air permeability and steam circulation.
- Ideal for vacuum ironing tables, steam presses, and garment finishing equipment.
Medium Density Grade (0.20–0.30 g/cm³)
- Well-balanced combination of softness and compressive strength.
- Durable with long-lasting performance under continuous use.
- Suitable for heat presses, heat transfer presses, and a wide range of industrial machinery.
High Density Grade (0.35–0.45 g/cm³)
- Designed to withstand heavy compressive loads.
- Maintains dimensional stability during continuous operation.
- Recommended for heavy-duty industrial presses, vacuum press systems, and other high-load applications.
Applications of Open Cell Silicone Foam
Heat Presses & Heat Transfer Machines
Open Cell Silicone Foam is used as a heat-resistant cushioning pad between the heated platen and the workpiece. It promotes even heat distribution, minimizes hot spots, and improves transfer quality for fabrics, heat transfer vinyl (HTV), decals, and sublimation printing.
Steam Presses & Vacuum Ironing Tables
Widely used as a cushioning layer on vacuum ironing tables and steam presses, the foam ensures uniform steam distribution, improves vacuum efficiency, reduces fabric shine, and enhances the overall quality of garment finishing.
Commercial Laundry Equipment
Open Cell Silicone Foam is commonly installed in garment pressing machines, steam ironing systems, and commercial laundry finishing equipment. Its excellent heat resistance, air permeability, and long-lasting resilience help maintain consistent performance under continuous operation.
Veneer Presses & Vacuum Press Systems
Open Cell Silicone Foam is frequently used together with vacuum press silicone membranes in veneer presses, laminate presses, and vacuum forming systems. While the silicone membrane creates an airtight vacuum seal, the foam evenly distributes pressure, improves air evacuation, and delivers a smoother, higher-quality surface finish.
Screen Printing & Heat Transfer Equipment
Selected grades of Open Cell Silicone Foam serve as resilient backing pads for screen printing presses, heat transfer machines, and other surface processing equipment. They help maintain consistent pressure and improve the quality of the finished product.
High-Temperature Industrial Equipment
The foam is also used as a cushioning material, vibration-damping pad, or thermal insulation layer in equipment operating at elevated temperatures. Its excellent resistance to heat and compression allows it to maintain reliable performance during prolonged service.
Open Cell Silicone Foam serves as a heat-resistant cushioning layer between the heated platen and the workpiece, ensuring uniform heat transfer and consistent pressing results.
Why Choose Belota Open Cell Silicone Foam?
Belota supplies premium-quality Open Cell Silicone Foam in a wide range of specifications to meet the needs of diverse industrial applications.
Key Benefits
- Available in various thicknesses, densities, and custom sizes.
- Excellent heat resistance with an extended service life.
- Outstanding resilience with minimal compression set during long-term use.
- Precision cutting and fabrication based on customer drawings or specifications.
- Professional technical consultation to help select the right material for your application.
- Fast nationwide delivery with reliable inventory availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between open cell and closed cell silicone foam?
Open Cell Silicone Foam features interconnected pores that allow air and steam to pass through freely, providing superior ventilation, steam distribution, and heat transfer. Closed Cell Silicone Foam, on the other hand, offers excellent water resistance, sealing performance, and moisture protection.
Can Open Cell Silicone Foam withstand high temperatures?
Yes. Depending on the grade, Open Cell Silicone Foam can operate continuously in temperatures ranging from -60°C to +220°C, with certain specialty grades capable of withstanding short-term exposure to approximately 260°C.
Can the foam be custom cut to specific dimensions?
Absolutely. Belota provides custom fabrication services, including cutting to your required dimensions, thicknesses, and shapes to match specific machinery or engineering drawings.
How long does Open Cell Silicone Foam last?
The service life depends on operating temperature, compression load, and usage frequency. Under proper operating conditions, the material maintains its resilience and performance for many years, significantly reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
Conclusion
Open cell silicone foam sheets is an ideal solution for heat pressing and vacuum applications thanks to its exceptional heat resistance, superior steam distribution, long-lasting resilience, and extended service life. Selecting the appropriate density and specifications helps improve product quality, maximize equipment efficiency, and reduce maintenance costs.
If you're looking for high-quality Open Cell Silicone Foam or need expert advice on selecting the right material for your application, Belota is ready to help. We offer a wide range of specifications, custom fabrication services, and fast nationwide delivery.
Contact us today via Hotline/Zalo: +84 917 657 946 for technical consultation and a fast quotation.
