Elastomerics Blog

As announced August 2013, Rogers Corporation has discontinued their 7000 series silicone sponge line. Originally manufactured by the MTI Groendyk silicone group, the 7000 series products were sheet molded, peroxide cured, expanded silicone sponge offered in a variety of densities and formulations (see list below). Rogers is replacing the 7000 series with an enhanced series called RS-700. The RS-700 products are manufactured in continuous lengths, in three firmness grades (soft, medium and firm), and are UL recognized gasket materials: JMLU2, UL 157, UL 50 / UL 50E for types 2, 3,3R, 3S, 4, 4X, 5, 6, 6P, 12, 12K, 13 (continuous compression and periodic recompression).

Stockwell Elastomerics’ Observations on the RS-700 Series Materials

The RS-700 silicone sponge series has very good mechanical properties, uniform closed cell structure, and a smooth surface as compared to the “fabric” finish on traditional silicone sponge products. The RS-700 series is offered in shades of gray (RS-720 = fog gray, RS-750 = steel gray, RS-770 charcoal gray). As with all silicone offerings, Stockwell Elastomerics is capable of laminating acrylic and silicone pressure sensitive adhesives to the RS-700 series. Lamination bonds are similar to those of the 7000 Series, Bisco silicone foams and Cohrlastic silicone sponge products.

Discontinued 7000 Silicone Sponge Line
7104 – Soft Silicone Sponge
7129 – Soft Flame Resistant Silicone Sponge (UL 94 HB)
7204 – Soft/Medium Silicone Sponge
7204 LCS – Soft/Medium Silicone Sponge (Low Compression Set)
7304 – Medium Silicone Sponge
7304 LCS – Medium Silicone Sponge (Low Compression Set)
7304 FDA- Medium Silicone Sponge (FDA Ingredients)
7329 – Medium Flame Resistant Silicone Sponge
7404 – Medium/Firm Silicone Sponge
7404 LCS – Medium/Firm Silicone Sponge (Low Compression Set)
7504 – Firm Silicone Sponge
7429 – Medium Flame Resistant Silicone Sponge

Replacement RS-700 Silicone Sponge Line
RS-720 – Soft Silicone Sponge Sheet / Roll
RS-750 – Medium Silicone Sponge Roll
RS-770 – Firm Silicone Sponge Roll

Traditional Silicone Sponge Product Offerings

The RS-700 products look and feel a bit different than traditional silicone sponge products but still possess the same high performance gasket properties:  excellent compression set resistance, wide temperature range, UV/ozone resistance and good water sealing. If traditional orange silicone sponge is required, Stockwell Elastomerics still offers Cohrlastic R-10480S and R-10470M silicone sponge products.

For more information about the RS-700 Series or traditional silicone sponge products; please call Stockwell Elastomerics at 215-335-3005 or complete a contact form for assistance.