What kind of wire do you use for a foam cutter?
Table of Contents
What kind of wire do you use for a foam cutter?
NiChrome Wire
NiChrome Wire (NiCr) is the optimal cutting wire choice for Foam cutting equipment for a variety of reasons, but particularly because it is resistant against corrosion and oxidation at very high temperature. The NiChrome cutting wire reaches the temperature of a few hundred Celcius degrees in few seconds.
How does a foam cutter work?
A hot wire foam cutter consists of a table and an arm structure which holds a wire in tension. The wire heats up when electricity is run through it, allow it to cut through foam by melting its way through.
What is the size of wire to use in a foam cutter?
16 gauge to 11 gauge is used for foam cutters to cut shapes such as molding because they are stiff enough to hold a shape rather than being straight. A 12″ piece of 14 gauge nichrome wire requires only 1.9 volts but almost 12 amps. Larger diameter wires are also used for very long cutters such as 8 or 10 feet.
How many volts do I need for a foam cutter?
12 volts is probably sufficient for up to a couple of feet. 24 is preferred for big stuff. (You need the same amps either way, but more volts for longer wires. You can finesse this a bit by using very thin wire, but people seem to prefer 16- or 18-gauge stainless steel.
Can you cut polyurethane foam with a hot wire?
A: Polyurethane foam should not be cut with hot wire tools. It needs a ton of heat, gives off toxic fumes, and leaves a lot of melted plastic wherever it is cut. We recommend that the polyurethane foams only be cut with a blade or saw.
How many watts do I need for a foam cutter?
That works out to about . 63 watts per inch.
How do you cut foam without a hot wire?
Bladed implements like knives, box cutters, precision blades (like X-acto knives) or hacksaws are great for cutting through styrofoam, especially if you don’t need to make any curved cuts. For a smoother cut, run the blade along an old candle before cutting your styrofoam.
What temperature should I cut XPS foam?
Normal operating temperature for polystyrene (EPS, XPS) materials is 250 – 450°C.
Can EVA foam be cut with a hot wire?
EVA craft foam, often used in cosplay, can be cut with Hot Wire tools.
