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The Science Behind the Art of Better Flexographic Results

The big quality difference between Rogers’ R/bak® Cushioning Mounting Materials and closed-cell tapes can best be demonstrated by taking a microscopic look inside the foam.

Open-cell structure (magnified 100 times) naturally recovers to deliver consistent results. Closed-cell polyethylene’s structure (magnified 100 times) changes with repeated use and requires repeated adjustments.

Open-cell urethane recovers over and over again so that the tapes provide a consistent level of cushioning no matter how many times they are compressed. Closed-cell polyethylene tapes break down in use and do not recover, which results in loss of ink density, slow press speeds, more adjustments and added costs.

Open Cell

R/bak open cell urethane foam Open-cell structure “springs” recover after compression Original performance

Closed Cell

Closed-cell polyethylene foam “Balloons” or closed-cell structure ruptures under over-impression Loss of impression force and reduced resiliency


The information contained in this Data Sheet is intended to assist you in using Rogers R/bak Cushion Mounting Materials. It is not intended to and does not create any warranties, express or implied, including any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or that the results shown on the Data Sheet will be achieved by a user for a particular purpose. The user should determine the suitability of Rogers R/bak Cushion Mounting Materials for each application.