Important Facts You Need to Know About CNC Hot Wire Foam Cutters
What is a hot wire cnc foam cutter used for?
Hot wire foam cutters will cut different types of foam, from insulation to fabrication, from logos, surfboards and signs to crown molding and concrete forms.
Hot wire foam cutters are designed to cut different types of foam
1. EPS – expanded polystyrene
2. XPS – extruded polystyrene
3. EPP – expanded polypropylene
Not to be used to cut polyurethane; will generate toxic fumes.
What are the main components that a foam cutter is made of?
1. The software is divided into two sections: design software to design the shapes to be cut, and cutting software that controls the machine.
2. The hot wire tension mechanism
3. Effective cut sizes for horizontal, vertical and cable length.
4. Number of Axis – A 4 axis machine will be able to cut conical shapes (such as a cone or jet wing)
Here are some features to look for in a hot wire foam cutting machine:
For the production of crown molding:
1. Multiple cables – 3 to 8 cables will increase cutting capacity 2 to 7 times
2. 8′ effective cord length – don’t settle for a 4′ machine
3. If the main use of the machine is to cut logos and signs, a smaller machine will do the job
4. Cutting speed – mainly depends on the material – as a general rule: the higher the density of the foam, the slower the cutting speed
Hot Wire CNC Foam Cutter Prices:
CNC foam cutters will range from $1500 to $50,000. The price is a factor of the size of the machine, the number of wires, the way the wires are held under tension.
Other foam cutting machines:
Another way to cut foam is with a CNC router; this is primarily for machining the foam and not for cutting.
Foam CNC routers are used primarily for 3D shapes seen in Las Vegas, themed pieces, and even signs.
Foam Coating: EPS and XPS will melt if painted with oil-based paint. The painting consists of two steps:
1. Preparation of the foam for the coating: a primer should be used to prevent the coating material from penetrating the EPS beads.
2. Coating: Coating is usually epoxy (usually brushed) or polyurethane (brushed or sprayed)
Once the foam is coated, it can be painted with any type of paint.