Hand tool for cutting foam. Styrofoam Cutter: DIY DIY Handmade Styrofoam Cutter

Varieties of foam

Currently, manufacturers produce several types of foam. The resistance of a material to any mechanical stress depends on its density. Therefore, for different installation work, a certain material is used. The higher the density, the stronger and heavier the foam:

  • Low density... Not suitable for creating shapes with clear lines. During cutting, the foam will begin to break and crumble. It is fireproof and has good moisture resistance. Often used as insulation.
  • High density... The material is designed for special conditions, since it retains the thermal insulation of the room well, it is resistant to high loads, as well as the appearance of various microorganisms and mold. At the same time, it has a high price.

On the machine for shape cutting of foam plastic, it is possible to process expanded polystyrene foam or extruded (colored) foam of any density in accordance with GOST 15588-2014. You can also cut foam rubber. You can cut everything on the foam cutter! For example, molded products (plinth, platband), shells for pipe insulation, thermoblocks, thermal panels, packaging, facade finishing elements, columns, insulation for slate, insulation for profiled sheet, letters of any format, balusters, volumetric figures and much more. Examples and ready cut files can be found here. The machine is ideal for construction and advertising companies.

The machine for shape cutting of foam plastic is controlled by a computer. Basic minimum requirements for a computer to control the FRP - 02 PRO machine:

- processor not lower than Core i5

- RAM at least 4 GB

All that is required to get started is to assemble the machine for shape cutting of polystyrene according to the instructions and connect the machine to your computer via a USB port. As a rule, it takes three to four hours to put the foam plastic cutter into operation. If you have any problems when assembling the machine for shaped cutting of foam, you can order the chief installation of the FRP-02 PRO machine at your place. The cost of the installation supervisor of the FRP-02 PRO foam cutting machine is 15,000 rubles. + all travel and food costs for one person.

The machine for shaped cutting of foam plastic FRP-02 PRO consists of two identical portals. The portal consists of an aluminum frame made of a machine profile. Cylindrical guides (rails) with a diameter of 16 mm are mounted on the aluminum profile. 4 bearings (on each side) move along the guides, on which the frame for the Y axis is installed. The Y axis is also mounted on an aluminum profile with cylindrical guides. The carriage for fastening the cutting tool runs on rails on 4 bearings. The use of cylindrical rails and special bearings made it possible to extend the warranty on the mechanical part of the machine up to 60 months. In this case, the estimated service life of the machine until complete wear is 20-25 years. The movement of the carriages along the portals is carried out by a stepper motor through a 15mm toothed belt. The belt is tensioned through a counter pulley by tightening a special bolt. The tension of the cutting thread in the machine for figured cutting of foam is carried out using powerful springs, which are fixed on the carriages of the portal through a dielectric. For a more accurate cut, we recommend buying special thread tension blocks.The blocks are assembled on polished shafts with a diameter of 10mm. For a better cut of foam, it is recommended to lubricate the guides of the portal and carriages with silicone grease. Up to 5 cutting threads can be loaded into the machine at the same time. To do this, you need to purchase an additional multi-thread cutting module. When using an optional transformer, up to 20 cutting threads can be installed. The cost of an additional transformer is 45,000 rubles.

The control unit of the foam plastic cutting machine consists of two boards: a heating board and a stepper motor control board. Adjustment of the cutting filament glow is carried out in the range of 0-100% in 1% increments. All machines for shaped cutting of foam plastic are equipped with an RCD. This gives a 100% guarantee against electric shock for the worker. It is recommended to install the FRP machine in a heated room with an area of ​​at least 20m2. Supply and exhaust ventilation is required.

The styrofoam shape cutting machine is supplied unassembled, packed in polyethylene. The cost of the machine does not include the cost of a wooden transport box. Here's why: some people come to pick up the machines themselves. Therefore, they do not need any strong packaging. Therefore, the price of the machine does not include a wooden box. BUT. To everyone who orders the shipment of machines by transport companies, we STRONGLY recommend spending money on a wooden box! The cost of a box is not a big price to pay to ensure that the machine will arrive safe and sound. The cost of a wooden box is 4500 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages of the material

The best heat-insulating material - polystyrene - has many positive and negative properties. Its advantages:

  • This is a special insulation that is capable of high-quality soundproofing not only of individual rooms, but also of all buildings.
  • It does not contain harmful substances, so the material is environmentally friendly.
  • Used as ceiling coverings. Decorative items have different textured patterns and colors.
  • Applied during transportation. For high-quality sealing, the product is additionally sealed with foam.
  • Due to its light weight, it can be transported, unloaded and stacked without any problems.
  • The material is resistant to fungi and mold.

Under the influence of high temperatures and some technical substances, the foam begins to collapse. Therefore, when working with material, certain rules must be followed. Do not use gasoline, acetone and white spirit. The foam board will begin to crumble and collapse from the inside at an air temperature above +500 degrees. Because of this, in places where insulation is used, the temperature regime must be observed.

Styrofoam gluing

The insulating material can be used for home insulation or as decorative elements for interior decoration. Since the foam is soft and breaks easily, an adhesive connection is used for fixing, and the durability of the insulation and the decorative pattern depends on the correctness of the work performed.

The foam is based on a synthetic compound that breaks down when it comes into contact with organic solvents. This creates some difficulties in choosing materials at hand, so working with expanded polystyrene is possible only if you have certain skills. The next problem to be faced when working with such a material is surface preparation. The adhesive is applied to the surface of the wall, which must be clean and even.

For gluing foam, the following types of adhesives are used:

  • polyurethane adhesive with high mechanical strength;
  • polyurethane foam;
  • polymer glue;
  • hot melt glue based on polymer composition;
  • cement-polymer glue;
  • bituminous solution.

Depending on the type of surface and bonding conditions, one of the above options is used. However, each compound has its own specific characteristics, so the quality of the joint depends on the correct choice of glue.

  • Polyurethane adhesive and polyurethane foam. These compounds are made on the basis of polyurethane foam and contain a minimum amount of organic compounds. The adhesive hardens when exposed to air and is available in cans, so you don't have to buy additional tools to apply. This version of the adhesive solution is suitable for large-sized objects where it is necessary to ensure high adhesion strength or to work with foam at low temperatures.
  • Bituminous glue. This version of the adhesive is suitable for insulating the facade and foundation. A layer of bituminous mortar prevents the appearance of mold and completely fills cracks and small irregularities, and the glue itself is resistant to high humidity and has high adhesion to any building materials.
  • Polymer compositions. Used when working indoors or for complex work with a lot of small parts. Some types of such glue were developed specifically for gluing polystyrene foam, so they are optimal for working with such a "capricious" material.

Polyfoam is a practical and durable material that can be used both indoors and outdoors. However, to work with it, you need to carefully study all the characteristic features of expanded polystyrene and comply with existing technical requirements.

Cutting devices

Cutting the material into small pieces is very easy. But in fact, doing this work, you need to adhere to some nuances and know certain tricks. Compliance with all the rules will help to quickly and efficiently process the material.

Which tool cuts the foam better than others? There are several tools with which you can shape parts:

  • Hacksaw for wood. A long, straight cut is easy to make with a hacksaw on wood. How accurate and even the cut is depends on the size of the teeth: the thinner the teeth, the better the cut. It is easy and fast to work with the tool, without injury. Suitable for cutting material over 80 cm thick.
  • String. The tool provides fast and accurate cutting of the material. It is often used by home craftsmen.
  • Soldering iron. This tool is used when high precision slicing is required. The soldering iron is equipped with a knife attachment that heats up when switched on. The part is fixed and slowly cut with smooth movements. The work is carried out with extreme caution, since the foam melts and drips under the influence of a hot knife.
  • Knife with attachment. Small pieces can be cut with a sharp knife. But its end is equipped with a rubber nozzle. The foam parts are securely fixed in a vice and then cut. Sometimes the knife slips off during cutting. To avoid injury, the movement of the knife is done "from oneself".
  • Stationery knife. Smooth cutting of the foam can be done by heating a clerical knife. The disadvantage of this tool is that it dulls quickly. It is used to cut thin material.

Cutting material with a hot tool

For cutting a sheet of foam, you can use the most ordinary knife, if you first prepare it for this procedure:

  1. You need to make sure that the length of the knife is more than the thickness of the sheet to be cut with a margin.
  2. Next, you need to mark the lines on the sheet along which it will have to be cut.
  3. The next step is to heat the knife with a gas stove or a special gas burner.With a hot knife, you need to carefully draw along the marked line, the foam will begin to melt and cut clearly along the line.

It is important to take into account that this method will not work to achieve a perfectly flat cut, and it is also suitable only for cutting small pieces of material. The fact is that even a little shaking hands will not allow you to achieve a straight line, and a constantly cooling knife will not allow you to make a neat and long cut.

But if your goal is to cut a small piece, then a red-hot knife will allow you to do this very quickly and without wasting money and time. Please note that after cutting, the knife should never be used in the kitchen or at home, since the foam contains toxic substances.

Simple soldering iron cutter

If you need to make a lot of foam blanks, but you don't want to make a too complicated cutter, then you can use its simple analogue, which works on the basis of a conventional soldering iron.

It is important to choose a soldering iron that is not too powerful, as its temperature is excessive for normal sheet cutting. If the power is too high, then the foam will smoke, smoke, and cut badly.

The next step will be the selection and installation of the nozzle on the tip of the soldering iron, since the standard tip is not intended for these purposes in any way. We need to find or make our own a long and flat tip that looks like a small knife blade, but less sharp. Copper wire folded several times is good for making such an item. Another option is to simply take out the tip of the soldering iron and give it the desired look.

Then the tip is firmly fixed on the tip of the soldering iron and you can start cutting.

The soldering iron is inserted into an outlet, heats up and cuts the foam in a similar way to a red-hot knife. The main advantage of this method is that there is no need to constantly warm up the knife, cutting can go on continuously.

Homemade foam cutting machine

A tool for cutting foam can be made by hand at home. The model is chosen depending on the design features.

Thermal cutter manufacturing

From a jigsaw and a soldering iron, you can make a thermal knife for foam:

  1. The main detail in this device is the bushing. It is made from a plate that is pre-sharpened, bent, and then a hole is made. The hole is required for the thread.
  2. The wires coming out of the hole are cut off. In places of rupture, the holes are soldered. It turns out a burner.
  3. A jigsaw is mounted in the finished plate. It is cut in two and bolted on top of the plate. The lower part of the plate is installed on the base, securing with self-tapping screws.
  4. The sleeve is placed in the foot.
  5. A hole with a thread with a diameter of 5 mm is drilled in the base.
  6. To straighten the nichrome wire, turn on the burner and touch the wire with its wires. The scorcher will begin to hum when the wire is weakly heated. This means that it has a weak resistance, and the wire is replaced with a thinner version.

After manufacturing, a test cutting is carried out.

Nichrome cutter

A distinctive feature of this device is the ability to cut material in two ways: along and across. It is made up of filament or wire. This part of the instrument is basic and cannot be replaced by anything. For the manufacture of wire and thread, an alloy of nickel and chromium is used. To cut a sheet of a certain height, the thread is set in a horizontal position. A nichrome wire device cuts a thick foam sheet into thinner pieces.

To make a homemade tool, you will need screws and springs, a wooden block and a base, a laboratory transformer, a screwdriver, a drill and pliers. For the cutter to be universal, the thickness of the nichrome thread should be about 50 cm.

Step-by-step instruction:

Making a cutter

I made a cutter from materials I have at hand.

The handle of the cutter is made of a piece of metal about 11 cm long. At one end, I fixed an insulator (PCB plate). Along the edges of the plate, I attached contact groups from an old electrical outlet. It is convenient to attach cutting spirals of various shapes to these contacts. The solder fits well on the contacts (they turned out to be copper-plated). To them and to the secondary winding of the transformer, I soldered an electrical wire (from household appliances).

Here's what happened in the end:

Step-by-step instructions for self-manufacturing of the machine and cutting foam

Step 1. Worktop preparation. You can take any piece of chipboard of the desired size as the tabletop of the device for cutting foam with your own hands. The surface on which the foam will move must be smooth. Holes are drilled in the countertop for the uprights. It is convenient to use metal pins with a thread with a diameter of 10-12 mm as stands. The height of the racks should correspond to the thickness of the foam sheets plus a headroom. The pin is fixed with nuts.

Types of foam machines

foam cutting machines

By visiting modern stores of relevant equipment, you can find machines for cutting foam of the following types:

  • mobile;
  • for cross and horizontal cutting;
  • with numerical control.

Different machine models are based on almost identical mechanisms. The expanded polystyrene is cut with a heated cutting surface, during which the drawing is taken as a basis. As a result, the hot knife cuts the material like butter. A fishing line is often used as a cutting surface. Simple foam cutting machines are equipped with a single string. As for high-precision models with numerical control, they can wield several lines, the number of which reaches 6. The cut is clean, it does not require processing.

Required tools and materials

Styrofoam is a lightweight material that can be cut with a variety of tools. In some cases, the accuracy and cleanliness of the cut plays an important role. You can provide these properties using the following tools:

  • an ordinary sharp knife;
  • small stove or hacksaw;
  • strong string;
  • a knife with a thermo effect;
  • thermal cutter;
  • cutter with laser beam.

Each builder has his own preference for choosing one of the tools. All tools allow high-quality processing of foam and form a straight line. Polyfoam has low resistance to mechanical stress - this should not be forgotten when choosing a tool.

Workplace preparation

In order for the cutting process to be carried out in accordance with all the rules, it is important to properly organize the workplace.
To do this, you should adhere to several basic rules:

  1. The surface must be free of unnecessary objects and must be flat. For convenience, you can use an inclined surface in the form of a table for drawings. But it is suitable for curly cutting. Often tables are equipped with fasteners so that the sheet does not slip.
  2. The workplace should be well lit, that is, be near a window or have all-round artificial lighting, which is located on the left hand.
  3. Instruments must be prepared in advance. Do not forget about the tools for marking: a ruler and a pencil. Protective clothing also comes in handy. These are gloves, goggles and an apron.
  4. To cut shapes, you need to make rigid cardboard templates. This will speed up the process as much as possible. And all the details will be the same in size and shape to each other.
  5. Scraps should be removed from the surface immediately so that debris does not interfere with the cut. Even small particles should be removed; they can be swept away with a stiff brush.

If all points are followed, then the risk of damage to the material will decrease, and this will save finances that will be spent on replacement.

Cutting with a stationery knife

Even at home with a real master, cutting styrofoam will not be able to cause problems. To do this, it is quite enough to have a clerical knife with you. It is important that the blade is sharp enough. This minimizes the likelihood of waste.

In the absence of a sharp knife, a regular saw or hacksaw can easily replace it. Choose a tool with a short tooth. Thanks to this, the final surface will not be rough.

Today, in any hardware store you can find a special blade for cutting foam. When exposed to it, only fine dust will be formed.

Cost of laser machines

foam cutting machine

Laser cutting machines for foam plastic are sold at different costs. For example, the model

MINIMO 0503 can be purchased for 147,000 rubles. The working area has dimensions equal to 500 × 300 mm. The emitter power is equivalent to 50 W. It is noteworthy that this equipment is equipped with a color display, and the control will be quite simple, because the language of the interactive menu is Russian.

Another device for cutting foam is Kamach 53, which costs 190,000 rubles. Its working pressure and emitter power remain the same. As for the VENO 640 equipment, its working area is 600 × 400 mm. The consumer will be able to take advantage of the ability to change the height of the workpiece, which is 150 mm. The work table is adjustable and can be lowered if desired. The price of such equipment is 289,000 rubles.

Nichrome wire cutting

To use this tool, you will need to additionally assemble the device. It will include not only a nichrome thread, but also a 12 or 24 volt transformer. It is also necessary to take a piece of a small pipe and a table in advance. The string will be tensioned by a spring. Nichrome is a material that is part of any hair dryer. The apparatus must function in such a way that the thread heats up and can melt the foam. Thanks to this, it is possible to obtain various complex shapes from the material.

Linear cutting device - how to make?

Homemade thermal knife for cutting flat sheets of expanded polystyrene foam is a simple design. The principle of its creation will be understood by any craftsman.

The basis of the structure is a frame made of steel profiles or wooden bars. In its lower part, a working surface is mounted from particle boards, plywood of great thickness. Some craftsmen use sheets of PCB for its construction.

The function of the working surface can also be performed by an ordinary table or workbench. Then there is no need for a frame. And the process of building a structure itself is as follows:

  • On the table (another flat surface), two vertical supports are mounted, which are fixed with insulators.
  • A transformer is connected to the latter through electrical contacts to lower the voltage.
  • A nichrome wire is pulled between the insulators. A special load is suspended from it. It is needed to tighten the thread.

The function of such a foam cutter is simple. The electric current passes through the thread, heats it up, which leads to the stretching of the wire. The load does not allow the latter to sag.

The heated nichrome thread easily cuts horizontally a block of foam, which is moved by hand. As a result, flat sheets of insulating material are obtained. Their thickness is determined by the distance separating the stretched wire from the working surface of the table.

When performing the described operation, it is important to ensure the supply of expanded polystyrene at the most uniform rate.

In cases where the material needs to be cut vertically, the cutter design is slightly modified.The frame must be additionally equipped with a holding paw. Hang a nichrome thread and a weight to it, passing the latter through a hole pre-drilled in the table. It is advisable to install a hollow metal pipe in it, which will protect the master from burns when the wire is heated.

Cutting foam with a string

When using a knife, the material can be severely crushed. In this case, it is replaced by an ordinary string. To obtain the fastest cutting possible, it must be preheated to the desired temperature. At home, the device can be assembled by yourself. To lower the temperature, an additional step-down transformer must be connected to the network. The device has the same principle of operation as with a nichrome thread. It is important to select such a pipe so that its thickness does not exceed 20 mm. Thanks to the device, it is possible to quickly cut the foam up to two centimeters. The quality of the string is also important - it should be thin and sharp.

Products from the Restorer company for business and advertising

Do you need a beautiful sign for a store, a company logo or a coat of arms of an organization, and you want to buy a similar product or order their production? Do you doubt where to buy decorative products made of expanded polystyrene so that their cost corresponds to the declared quality? A good option would be to contact a company that manufactures architectural decor "Restorer!"

We will produce any decor parts, wall panels or a big heart for an advertising sign as quickly as possible. If you need an original stage or hall decoration for the New Year, we will do for you:

  • various shapes of snowflakes;
  • a tree and a star for its top;
  • New Year's toys;
  • the figure of Santa Claus;
  • Christmas decorations in the form of a ball.

For our craftsmen, making simple forms in the form of a book, a fake cake, an Easter egg or a foam heart is not a problem. So also complex three-dimensional shapes with many small details.

DIY styrofoam cutting device

Polyfoam can be cut not only with nichrome thread, but also with metal plates. An ordinary soldering iron with a power of 60 watts should be taken as a basis. It will need to be reconstructed - instead of the sting, place a knife plate. Hot-melt synthetic is also used as the main material.

The wooden leg must be additionally equipped with supporting legs. Previously, a gap should be made in the board and a knife should be placed in it. Additionally, the device should be equipped with a stand with brackets. An important role is played by a protective screen, which will further protect a person from burns.

Examples of using laser cutting technology:

Promptly.

Preliminary calculation within an hour and immediately start-up.

100% guarantee.

The machine is new. Smooth cut.

Accuracy

Accuracy up to 1 micron.

How to cut styrofoam. Step-by-step instruction

  • The first step is to find a sufficiently thin and sharp object that will be used to form the incision.
  • If there is no special tool, then it is quite possible to use a credit card, a table knife, or any object with thin edges.
  • Along the notch line, the foam can be easily broken. This is most conveniently done at the edge of the table. You can only press lightly.
  • If there are convex pieces left, then they can be cleaned with a knife.

Professional advice

To cut foam quickly and efficiently, it is recommended that you follow the following professional tips:

  • It is not very convenient to cut with an ordinary knife. It is best to use a soldering iron instead. It will be possible to cut the foam quickly and efficiently if the round side can be easily flattened with a hammer. Additionally, you will need to put on a metal cap on the electrical appliance. The blade must be secured well.Only then should the soldering iron be plugged into the network. Operate the instrument only in a well-ventilated area. It is best to open the windows additionally. When heated, a gas is released from a soldering iron, which has a toxic effect on the respiratory system.
  • It is most convenient to cut the foam with a nichrome thread. Thanks to her, the process will take place quickly, and the edges will be even.
  • Nichrome material is found in hair styling devices, hair dryers, irons, and boilers. If there is no way to get such a thread, then you can use steel wire. It should be stretched across the table. One side is fixed rigidly, and the other only with a spring. A transformer is connected to both of them. It must first be connected to the electrical network.
  • The foam sheet must be placed over the wire. The current charge directly depends on the thickness of the working material. It is necessary to ensure that the wire turns red. You should not allow incandescence, because in this case, the cut may turn out to be too wide.
  • All manipulations are most conveniently done if the table is at an angle of 20-60 degrees to the floor. Thanks to this, the very feeding of the foam will take place under its own weight. However, for this there must be a sufficient level of slip.
  • The nichrome wire will become larger during operation. That is why it is important to secure it to one side with a spring. Thanks to her, length regulation will occur.
  • To cut the foam, it is allowed to use a grinder or a jigsaw. It is also recommended to use a file with a wavy blade.
  • If you need to create figures from foam, then molds for dough are quite suitable for cutting them out. However, in this case, you can take only that foam, the thickness of which does not exceed 1.27 cm.
  • To smooth out the protrusions quickly, you just need to rub the foam together.
  • In the process of working with foam, it is recommended that all manipulations be performed on a cutting board. In this case, the likelihood of damage to the table is minimized.

Today, styrofoam figures are very popular in interior design. To create them, it is advisable to use a special knife or an automatic device. To obtain even edges, it is advisable to perform all manipulations with a preheated object. You can make a knife yourself from an old soldering iron. This tool is very popular with interior designers.

Description of the manual machine for foam plastic brand "Skat"

A manual machine for cutting foam plastic will not be as technologically advanced as the equipment described above, but it can be purchased for 44,000 rubles. The working area is limited by the following dimensions: 1320 × 380 mm. The design uses a single cutting string, which is 1320 mm long. The power consumption of the device is equivalent to 1500 W.

The machine can work in one of three modes, among them:

  • guillotine;
  • dissolution into sheets;
  • dissolution on canvases of variable thickness.

The first mode provides for the possibility of cutting the foam to the required dimensions. The cut is carried out by moving the string up or down with the heating turned on. The set includes adjustable stops. The second mode - dissolving into sheets involves fixing the string at the desired height above the table level, while the sheet is manually moved over the surface. Dissolution into canvases of variable thickness involves fixing the string at an angle, while the sheets themselves are moved manually over the surface of the table.

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( 2 grades, average 5 of 5 )

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