Overview of the PORON 4701-15 Series

The PORON 4701-15 Series is a group of cellular urethane materials that are designed for sealing and cushioning applications. These materials are open-cell and hydrophilic, meaning they can absorb and retain water. This makes them useful for applications where condensation control is important.

The 4701-15 Series comes in different densities ranging from extra soft to firm. The softer densities work well for conformability and shock absorption while the firmer options provide load bearing capability. These materials are lightweight and compressible.

Key Features of PORON 4701-15

• Open-cell structure absorbs condensation
• Hydrophilic properties prevent fogging
• Low density for conformability
• Higher densities for load bearing
• Compressible and lightweight
• Available in sheets or die-cut parts

Applications of PORON 4701-15

The 4701-15 Series has a wide variety of sealing and cushioning applications including:

• Gaskets – seals for electronics, appliances, automotive, aerospace
• Vibration damping – pads, isolators for motors, pumps, compressors
• Acoustical barriers – sound deadening for appliances, machinery
• Cushioning – padding for armrests, headliners, packaging

The materials can be die-cut into custom shapes or laminated to other materials like plastic, fabric, or foam. Common configurations are open or closed cell sheets, strips, and tapes.

Grades of PORON 4701-15

The PORON 4701-15 Series includes several density grades:

• 4701-15XSP – Extra soft grade, 15% density
• 4701-15SP – Soft grade, 20% density
• 4701-15MP – Medium grade, 25% density
• 4701-15FP – Firm grade, 30% density

Higher density grades are more rigid and load bearing while lower densities provide better shock absorption. Medium grades offer a balance of cushioning and support.

Comparison of Densities

Grade	Density	Description
4701-15XSP	0.015 g/cm3	Extra soft, high conformability
4701-15SP	0.020 g/cm3	Soft, shock/vibration absorption
4701-15MP	0.025 g/cm3	Medium support and cushioning
4701-15FP	0.030 g/cm3	Firm, load bearing

Benefits of Using PORON 4701-15

Some key benefits of the PORON 4701-15 Series include:

• Lightweight – Low density foam is lighter than rubber or vinyl
• Conformable – Easily compresses to fit curved surfaces
• Durable – Resists cracking better than solid rubber
• Easy to die cut – Simple to fabricate into gaskets and pads
• Cost effective – More affordable option than silicone or vinyl

Overall, the 4701-15 Series offers an excellent balance of cushioning, sealing, and cost for many engineering applications. The open-cell foam is a versatile solution for protecting against vibration, impact, and moisture ingress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common applications for PORON 4701-15?

The 4701-15 series is commonly used for gaskets, vibration damping pads, and cushioning elements in appliances, electronics, machinery, automotive interiors, and more. The soft grades work well for conformable seals while the firmer options are better for load bearing.

How is PORON 4701-15 fabricated and applied?

PORON can be die-cut into custom gaskets, pads, and tubes. It can also be laminated with pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) for tapes or attached with mechanical fasteners or liquid adhesives. The material is lightweight and simple to work with using common fabricating methods.

How does PORON 4701-15 perform in wet environments?

The open-cell foam absorbs moisture well. The hydrophilic properties prevent issues like fogging in wet environments and help control condensation. It performs better than closed cell foam in moist conditions.

What temperature resistance does PORON 4701-15 have?

The maximum continuous use temp is around 158°F (70°C). The material can withstand intermittent exposure up to 194°F (90°C). Performance declines above these temperatures so thermal management is important.

Does PORON 4701-15 require special storage or handling?

PORON should be stored flat in a clean, dry environment away from extreme temps. Standard precautions against cutting and abrasions should be taken. No special handling is required beyond that of typical open cell polyurethane foam.