The purpose of the mechanical torch is to perform relatively small tasks in confined spaces. The body of polystyrene foam can be cut using a mechanical impact device. The only thing that might not be as desired in the end is the cut’s quality.
Foam plastic thermal cutters are already professional-grade machinery. Professionals in the building, design, and related fields use it.
Any kind of foam can have holes or lines quickly cut through it using a thermal torch. From ordinary foam to extruded foam with a high density.
The foundation of a thermal device is a red-hot thread or wire.
The equipment for cutting polystyrene foam to insulate a house with foam from the inside can be classified into the following categories based on the type of assembly:
- Branded samples;
- Homemade samples.
We are dealing with units that were made at the factory in the first instance. They are specifically made and thought out to provide an individual with the highest level of comfort and productivity while working.
Specialized foam knives and large thermal cutters or other professional equipment are also included in the branded models.
For instance, only factory lasers with low power and computer control can be used to cut foam plastic using the same laser. Even though they are pricey, heavy, and complicated, using them will yield nearly flawless cutting.
- Mechanical cutting
- Thermal cutting
- Homemade thermal cutter
- Video on the topic
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- Cutter for foam plastic with your own hands
- Foam cutting machine with your own hands / How to make a plastic foam cutter
Mechanical cutting
Tools that are fundamentally based on mechanical force or friction are used for mechanical cutting.
These devices are typically utilized in homes. In situations where purchasing a thermal cutter is not feasible or desired. Remember that a high-quality thermal cutter can be rather expensive.
Additionally, it is rarely worth the purchase, particularly if all you need to do to install thermal insulation is cut a few polystyrene foam boards by hand.
It is possible to cut Styrofoam using a regular blade.
Using a regular knife is the most straightforward method of cutting foam, particularly when the foam is being cut to insulate underground sewage pipes. The best kind of stationery knife is one with a medium-hard blade. You can easily cut the slab thickness up to 6 or 8 cm with its assistance. Additionally, the board will be cut based on quality, particularly if you have prior experience that is at least minimal.
However, use extreme caution if using jigsaws and bolt cutters. It should be understood that the weak structure of polystyrene foam cannot withstand a strong rotational torque. You could use your hands to break the board if you don’t estimate the rotational torque and disk selection.
Here, recommendations can only be broad. Purchasing specialized tools is advised for cutting foam plastic. In the event that hands are unavailable, attempt to locate the thinnest Bulgarian or jigsaw blade disk. It will be better if it is thinner.
In general, you have to use saws with caution. It is advisable to avoid using a regular saw on Styrofoam. Unless you absolutely do not require precision cutting. However, it is simpler to just break it in this instance.
This is a different discussion if you purchase a specialty saw. In any case, though, you should exercise extreme caution because the saw has a higher potential to seriously damage the material because of the unevenness of forces.
Thermal cutting
Use a thermal cutter at all times for thermal cutting. Thermo-cutter, a specialized tool for cutting polystyrene foam, is nearly as expensive as foam plastic glue.
It is made up of very few components. The operational transformer, which provides the voltage, is the major component. The transformer can be powered directly from the network or it can run on batteries. Everything in this case is based on the particular model.
There are two arcs or fasteners that come from the mini-transformer. The working element’s body is essentially made up of these arcs. Each end of the arc has a unique thread tied to it. Nichrome is most frequently used. To create a strongly stretched wire, the thread is stretched in between the arc’s ends.
The arcs receive electricity from the transformer when it is turned on, and the arcs heat the filament.
The heated filament effortlessly slices through foam of any shape or size. Ultimately, the polymer exhibits extreme instability and exhibits poor thermal stability.
A unique stand for a do-it-yourself foam thermocutter
The ability to work with filigree precision is one of the heat cutter’s main advantages. Only lasers are able to cut more precisely. Even so, that’s only if the human element is taken out.
As a knife cuts hot oil, so does chromium heated to a high temperature when it comes to foam. You also don’t need to exert any physical pressure because it doesn’t even come into contact with the plate. Why is it convenient? Yes, because exerting yourself physically always carries the risk of making a mistake.
The likelihood of error is reduced if a heated wire does all the work, melting the foam instead of cutting it.
Homemade thermal cutter
Astute radio technicians have undoubtedly already considered the fact that the thermocutter’s straightforward design makes it easy to assemble with your hands. Indeed, assembling a heat cutter is not difficult at all.
Your primary responsibility will be to choose a small transformer for cutting Rockwool and related products, which are insulating cylinders. It’s actually not that big of a deal. Transformers can be converted from working samples or taken from TV sets.
The analog of the arcs must then be put together. The simplest example of such a mechanism is a wooden bar that has two long screws fastened to it. The only conductor will be a nichrome filament since the wood will prevent them from conducting electricity amongst themselves.
Between the screw heads, the filament is stretched. The transformer just needs to be screwed into place before the electricity is turned on and the voltage is adjusted.
It is best to avoid using too much voltage and to be aware that the operating voltage at the outlet and the thickness of the nichrome filament are somewhat correlated.
Our "How to cut Styrofoam or Styrofoamlex" guide will show you how to properly trim these materials for your insulation projects using easy-to-follow methods. Accurate results require precise cutting of Styrofoam or Styrofoamlex, whether you’re doing a do-it-yourself project or insulating your home. We’ll go over a variety of techniques, such as using everyday household tools, to make sure you can complete this task effectively and safely. You’ll be able to cut Styrofoam or Styrofoamlex like a pro in no time with our simple instructions, saving you time and trouble on your insulation projects.
When the voltage is too high, the filament will turn red and burn through the polystyrene foam without ever coming into contact with it. You won’t receive an even cut as a consequence.
