Machines for cutting polyfoam by own hands

Polyfoam is used today in many sectors of construction and industry. With its help it is possible to equip thermal and waterproofing, to form decorative coatings, baguettes, and much more. The only problem that arises when working with this material is the need for proper cutting. Machines for cutting foamed plastic can be purchased at the store, but it will be much cheaper to carry out such equipment yourself.

Manufacturing of construction for cutting sheets of foam plastic

In order to obtain a clean and even cut, you need to use the appropriate equipment. As an output, hot steel can serve, but it is very difficult to use it at home. There remains only one solution, which is expressed in the independent manufacture of the machine.

Preparatory work

In order to produce a machine for figured cutting foam, you need to prepare certain materials and tools. It will take a table to which certain requirements are made, thus, each of its sides should not be less than two meters. The master must prepare steel springs that have low current resistance. The work can not do without a transformer, which is able to convert the current from 220 to 24 volts. Use a string with a high resistance, if there is an old heater, then this element can be borrowed from this equipment. The master will also need a regulator of string height, in the role of which it is possible to apply two beams. Between them will begin to move the cutting string, which has a holder. A transformer may not be needed in every case. This will depend on what material will be the basis of the string.

Safety of use

If the machine for 3d cutting of polystyrene is made using a chrome string, then the current in 220 volts will be acceptable. But, working with this category, you must follow the safety rules. If a discharge of 24 volts is used, there is no danger to life. It will be immaterial. It should be remembered that the machine for cutting foam, which uses hot steel in operation, will function, and toxic vapors will be released into the air, this indicates the need to use a protective mask. Work in this case in a well-ventilated room. It is preferable to work on cutting outdoors.

Recommendations of the machine tool builder

Making a machine for cutting foam, you can not find the table, the parameters of which correspond to the above. In the role of the base in this case, you can use a sheet of chipboard, board or plywood. The technology for assembling the machine involves the use of a nichrome wire, which must be fixed to the springs, the last of which must be put on the screws, and the last of them must be 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 canvas is 1, 8 cm, and the height of the stand is 2, 8 cm, then in the fully screwed state the screw will not be able to pass through the canvas. Whereas if you completely unscrew it, it will be able to cut the canvas, the thickness of which is 5 cm.

Changing machine parameters

Making machines for cutting foam, you need to take into account the fact that in the future there will be a need to cut thicker cloths of materials, while the short screws can be unscrewed and replaced in their place longer. In order to produce a press fit, you need to make a hole in the base. Its diameter should be less than this indicator characteristic of the rack, the difference should be 0.5 millimeter. Making the machines for cutting foam, the posts need to be hammered into the holes, but to facilitate the procedure, you need 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 his hat. In order to do this, it is necessary to clamp its end with a screwdriver, while under the head it is necessary to lay a thin file, and after using the rotation. The groove is necessary in order to strengthen the wire in one position, which can move when corrected. In order to prevent the wire from sagging, after elongation after heating, it must be fixed to the springs, and afterwards to the screws. Carrying out machines for cutting foam, 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 "crimping with compression". Copper wire must have a cross-section of at least 1.45 m2.

Final work

The next step is to remove the insulation from the end of the wires by 2 centimeters. Copper conductors should 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 provide the possibility of adjusting the thickness of the cutting of the web, it is necessary to draw off conductive conductors. Eliminate the sagging of wires by the method of making a hole in the base of the hole, through which the cut is passed and fixed from the reverse side of the surface with the help of staples. If you are cutting foam, the machine can be easily manufactured with your own hands. Wires during the process should be stacked together in the form of a bundle, this will eliminate their tangling. At the ends of the wires it is necessary to strengthen the terminals so that it is possible to connect them to the power supply.

Finally

If you yourself decided to make a CNC machine for cutting foam, 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 web during cutting should not be unnecessarily high. If the motor runs very quickly, then it will help to crush the material. This can not be allowed, since in this case it will not be expedient to make and use an automatic machine. After all, for the work still have to spend a certain amount of time and effort. This should be taken into account when selecting the components of the future design.