Foam Cutter
Hot Wire Foam Cutter
Contents
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About
The hot wire foam cutter is a cutting tool used to cut polystyrene and/or styrofoam foams and similar materials. It consists of a NiChrome wire and a power supply that runs current through the wire. The wire becomes very hot from the current and when it comes in contact with foam it vaporizes the foam. It can thus be used to cut intricate shapes for modeling things in polystyrene or styrofoam.
Safety
- Keep fingers away from the hot wire - it can burn very quickly!
- Always turn the machine off when not in use
Getting Started
Materials
Polystyrene and styrofoam can both be cut in the hot wire foam cutter.
Power and Speeds
The wire can reach temperatures of 400 - 500 degrees C.
Tips and Tricks
This video shows an example of using the hot wire foam cutter to cut pink building insulation.