Polyfoam is used today in many branches of construction and industry. With it, you can equip heat and waterproofing, form decorative coatings, baguettes, and much more. The only problem that arises when working with this material is the need for proper cutting. Styrofoam cutting machines can be purchased at the store, but it will be much cheaper to make such equipment yourself.
Production of structure for cutting foam sheets
In order to get a clean and even cut, you need to use the right equipment. Hot steel can serve as a way out, but using it at home is very problematic. There remains only one solution, which is expressed in the independent manufacture of the machine.
Preparatory work
In order to make a foam cutting machine, it is necessary to prepare certain materials and tools. You will need a table to which certain requirements are imposed, so each of its sides should not be less than two meters. The master must prepare steel springs that have low current resistance. In work, you can’t do without a transformer that is capable of converting current from 220 to 24 volts. A high resistance string should be used, if an old heater is available, then this element can be borrowed from this equipment. The master will also need a string height regulator, in the role of which it is possible to use two beams. Between them, the cutting string, which has a holder, will move. A transformer may not be needed in every case. This will depend on what material will underlie the string.
User safety
If the machine for 3d foam cutting is made using a chrome string, then a current of 220 volts will be acceptable. But when working with such a discharge, it is necessary to follow safety rules. If you use a discharge of 24 volts, then there is no danger to life. It will be insignificant. It must be remembered that a foam cutting machine that uses hot steel in its work will function, and toxic fumes will be released into the air, this indicates the needuse of a protective mask. You need to work in a well-ventilated area. It is preferable to carry out cutting work outdoors.
Recommended by a machine builder
When making a foam cutting machine, you may not find a table whose parameters match the above. In the role of the base in this case, you can use a particle board, board or plywood. The technology for assembling the machine involves the use of nichrome wire, which must be fixed to the springs, the last of them must be put on the screws, and the last of them screwed into special racks. Steel racks must first be pressed into the table top. The height of the rack and the thickness of the base will depend on the preferences and needs of the owner. If the thickness of the web is 1.8 cm, and the height of the rack is 2.8 cm, then in the fully screwed state, the screw will not be able to pass through the web. Whereas if it is completely unscrewed, then it will be able to cut the canvas, the thickness of which is 5 cm.
Changing machine parameters
When making foam cutting machines, it is necessary to take into account the fact that in the future it will be necessary to cut thicker webs of materials, while short screws can be unscrewed and longer ones can be installed in their place. In order to press fit, a hole must be made in the base. Its diameter must be less thanindicator characteristic of the rack, the difference should be 0.5 millimeters. When making foam cutting machines, the racks need to be hammered into the holes, but to facilitate the procedure, it is necessary to process the sharp edges of the ends with sandpaper. Before you start screwing the screw into the rack, you need to cut a groove under its head. In order to do this, it is necessary to clamp its end with a screwdriver, while a thin file should be laid under the head, and then rotation should be activated. The groove is necessary in order to strengthen the wire in one position, which can move during adjustment. In order for the wire not to sag, lengthening after heating, it must be fixed to the springs, and only then to the screws. When performing foam cutting machines, you need to prepare all the fasteners, and then strengthen the nichrome wire. In order to ensure reliable contact between it and the conductive wire, it is necessary to apply a technology called "spinning with compression". Copper wire must have a cross section of at least 1.45 mm2.
Final works
The next step is to remove the insulation from the end of the wires by 2 centimeters. Copper conductors must be wound on the wire in those areas where it is fixed to the spring. The end of the wire should be held with pliers, and then wrapped around the conductor. In order to ensure the possibility of adjusting the cutting thickness of the blade, it is necessary to make a withdrawal of conductive conductors. It is necessary to eliminate the sagging of the wires by making a hole in the base through which the segment is passed and fixed on the reverse side of the surface with brackets. If you will be cutting foam, a do-it-yourself machine can be easily made. The wires during the process must be folded together in the form of a bundle, this will prevent them from tangling. At the ends of the wires, you need to strengthen the terminals so that you can connect them to a power source.
In conclusion
If you decide to make a CNC foam cutting machine yourself, then it will be enough for you to use at home, unless you are going to set up a production line. The speed of the blade during cutting should not be unnecessarily high. If the motor runs very fast, then this will contribute to the crumbling of the material. This cannot be allowed in any way, since in this case it would not be advisable to manufacture and use an automatic type machine. After all, to carry out the work, you still have to spend a certain amount of time and effort. This must be taken into account when choosing the components of the future design.
