Fenestration Products

How to choose a separator pad

Where to Begin
It is important to choose a separator pad that meets the needs of the product it will protect.  In order of importance, the two main items to consider are the backing of the pad and the density or firmness of the pad.  Common uses include glass, IG units, vinyl windows, screens, etc.
Choose a Backing

There are two backings used on separator pads – cling foam or removable adhesive.  Advances in adhesive technology over the last decade have improved removable adhesives.  Generally, use removable adhesive when:

• Surface temperature is under 150º and/or
• Surface material is acrylic, plastic, has a lacquered finish or any other surface where plasticizer migration might attack the finish.
• The surface is vulnerable to plasticizer migration.

Cling foam backing is recommended for protecting glass at more elevated temperatures; for example; as it comes off a tempering line, an IG line or where the product is stored or transported in hot conditions.  (For example, summertime in the south west).

It is always recommended to test pads in your application.  We will always be happy to supply samples for your evaluation.

Material Selection

Once the decision of which backing to use has been made, the material selected is a function of the density and force to compress.  After force to compress and the backings are chosen, thickness and size of the pad are the final consideration.  These two properties usually go hand in hand, but there are exceptions.  For example, Polyethylene is such an exception, a 4# P.E. foam behaves similar to a 15# vinyl sponge.  The questions that must be asked are what is going to keep the pad in place and what is the product for which the pad is being used.  The second page of this newsletter describes our various separator pad materials in more detail.  Although some experimentation will pay off in long term pad savings, the following guide will help you get started.

Cork

The top of the line product.  Available with cling foam backing in 1/8”, 3/16”, and 1/4” thicknesses which includes 1/16” cling foam backing.  When ordering with a cling foam backing, please ask for “Glass Separator Cork”.  Cork is also available with removable adhesive in thicknesses from 1/32” to 1/4”.  When ordering with removable adhesive, please request “Cork with Removable Adhesive”.

Foam

Similar to glass separator cork, this is a lighter density product.  Our standard stock glass separator foam with cling foam backing is 1/4” thickness.  When a product with a removable adhesive is desired, our white polyfoam is our most economical alternative.  White polyfoam is available in our standard stock thicknesses of 1/4” and 1/2”.

NeoRebond

NeoRebond is a moderate density product.  Our standard stock thicknesses are 1/8", 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2".  NeoRebond is offered only with a removable adhesive, and is a cost effective general purpose pad when the properties of cork can be compromised.

Felt

In addition to our glass separator pad materials, we are pleased to offer the following two types of adhesive systems to serve customers in the mirror and glass industries.  Our standard thickness is 1/16, but is available in other thicknesses by special request.  They are color coded as follows:
Black felt has a permanent adhesive.  This felt pad is ideal for surface protection as well as for desktops.  Green felt is offered with removable adhesive.  This felt pad is intended for use by the mirror industry as well as for lighter gauges of glass, such as picture frame glass.

Our staff is at your service to assist and guide you to the most economical solution to the production of your product.

To learn more about any of our products described in this issue or to request a quote or sample box,
please call our Sales Team at (800) 777-0202.  We look forward to working with you.