The better to cut extruded polystyrene foam

How to cut styrofoam so as not to crumble

In construction, for floor insulation, gluing foam to concrete walls or ceilings, in most cases, you have to cut huge sheets of insulation material. Therefore, the first question arises: how and how to cut the foam at home? This is a big problem because the foam crumbles a lot and breaks very quickly. Cutting foam with your own hands can be done by several methods, consider their variety.

Today, the most common way to cut styrofoam is with an upholstery utility knife or a sharp painter’s knife (blade knife). Using this tool for cutting foam is not expensive, quiet, very fast and certainly affordable. The advantage of this method is the minimum amount of intrusive rubbish. Remember, the sharper the knife, the faster, easier and better the cut of the material will be. Therefore, it is recommended to use a new, non-dull blade for this.

It is worth recalling that the thinner the foam, the smoother the cut will be as a result. So this method can be attributed to one drawback: such a tool can not cut a sheet of foam, if its thickness is more than 5 centimeters.

If, for example, you use an electric jigsaw, the cut will turn out to be uneven and ugly, and there will also be a huge amount of garbage. But with such a tool, you can cut sheets of foam with a thickness of more than 5 centimeters, that is, up to 10 without the slightest effort, if you first select the longest nail file how to cut the foam.

How to Cut Foam (Polystyrene or StyroFoam)

Also, it is not uncommon for this material to be cut with a hand saw on wood, but here it will also turn out to be uneven and a lot of debris. For this method, you do not need to have any specific knowledge.

If you cut polystyrene at home with an ordinary knife, then first you need to sharpen it well. Then heat a little and until it cools, cut the workpiece. The advantage of this method is that the edge melts neatly and turns out to be smooth, in addition, there is practically no debris left. Read also how to glue expanded polystyrene to expanded polystyrene.

How and how to cut polystyrene

When working with foam, almost every one of us has at least once faced such a problem as cutting a sheet of foam at home into certain parts. The most common option is a break, but this method will not allow you to achieve an even edge and accurate dimensions.

In addition, when breaking, a huge amount of debris remains in the form of balls of material, which are practically uncontrollable, since they quickly stick to all objects around us. Therefore, in this article we will consider the options and methods of the best way to cut the foam so that it does not crumble, without excess debris and exact dimensions.

Properties and characteristics of foam

Expanded polystyrene (polystyrene) is a white heat and sound insulating material, which consists of 98% of air, enclosed in a huge number of microscopic thin-walled cells of slightly foamed polystyrene. As a rule, this material is biologically safe; products and various packaging of food products are made from it.

The widespread use of foam is characterized by the following properties:

• Very low sound and thermal conductivity;
• Practically non-hygroscopic (resistant to moisture);
• Quite light in weight and in work;
• Resistant to aging;
• Does not rot (mold, mildew, etc.);
• Not subject to the effects of various microorganisms;
• Not absorbed by many animals.

Polyfoam is an effective insulating universal material, as it has been used for more than 30 years for insulation of the balcony floor, thermal insulation of ceilings, roofs, walls of buildings, both from the outside and from the inside, for high-quality sound insulation of noise rooms. It is also quite often used in industry for thermal insulation, for example, refrigerators, various packaging, refrigerators, freezers, and even for the transportation of furniture and equipment.

Unconventional ways to cut foam

Above we have listed all the ways how to cut foam in a straight line. But what if we need to cut, for example, some shape, previously painted on foam, a semicircle, a zigzag, a circle, or even in a straight line, but perfectly evenly and in large quantities. A knife, an electric jigsaw or a saw will not help us here.

There is such an exotic option as cutting the foam with a hot nichrome wire. Yes, you heard right! Even designers use such a tool to implement design solutions. In addition, such a machine for cutting foam plastic is easy to assemble with your own hands at home.

In order to make such a machine for fast and high-quality cutting of foam at home, we need nichrome wire, a small 24-volt transformer and a spring. The table will need to be set at an angle of about 20-60 degrees. Then you need to pull the wire in the middle across the table. On one side of the table, firmly fix one end of the wire, and on the other, fix it through a spring.

The best tool for cutting foamboard/rigid foam insulation

Further, wires are attached to both ends of the nichrome wire, coming from a 24 volt transformer, which is powered from the mains. As soon as the current is supplied, the wire begins to heat up (this is noticeable) and on top of the wire it is necessary to put a sheet of foam, respectively, along the marking line. Due to the tilt of the table, the sheets of insulation under the influence of their own weight will slide down and gradually cut through the material.

For accurate work, it is necessary that the wire turns slightly red, but it must not be allowed to get too hot. Since the high temperature will not cut, but mercilessly melt, as a result, the cut can turn out to be very wide.

As a rule, during heating, the nichrome wire stretches and becomes a little longer, so the aforementioned spring is needed, which must be elastic and strong. It helps to adjust the length of the wire.

You can try to cut polystyrene or expanded polystyrene with your own hands and at home using a grinder and a disc for metal, although this is not the best option. We recommend using only the thinnest disc. This option is not very practical, because there will be a lot of noise from the grinder, and debris will spread in all directions. Therefore, it will be better if you use a diamond blade for a grinder.

Styrofoam can also be cut at home with a simple soldering iron. By using it, you can cut the material neatly and quickly. The end (tip) of the soldering iron should be preferably thick, if not, then it will need to be flattened a little with a hammer. After that, a manufactured special part is put on it: a sharp blade is attached to the metal cap from an ordinary handle at the end. With such a device, you can easily cut not only straight lines, but also curly, semicircular, that is, parts of the most diverse shapes.

How to DIY a Foam Thermal Cutter

If you choose the best way to cut the insulation without the formation of small debris, then, of course, professional equipment will come first. But for home use, the purchase of such a device can be an expensive “pleasure”, so many craftsmen make a machine for cutting foam with their own hands.

Schematic drawing of a thermal cutter for horizontal cutting of foam

How to cut styrofoam at home. styrofoam cutter

How to cut styrofoam without using thermal devices

The principle of cutting foam sheets with a hacksaw, regardless of whether it is a blade for metal or wood, is no different from cutting with a knife, the main thing is that the teeth are small, and the blade is of sufficient length.

In this case, the cut will be smoother and there will not be a lot of fine debris. The movements of the saw must be done smoothly, without jerking. But even with this cutting method, there will be a lot of expanded polystyrene crumbs.

You can cut the foam sheets using an electric jigsaw or an angle grinder (grinder). However, with this method, a huge amount of garbage is guaranteed.

Angle grinder for cutting foam

The least amount of foam crumbs is formed when cutting it, if you use a homemade foam cutter. The simplest form of such a device is an ordinary thin wire (string), to the ends of which handles are attached, for greater convenience. The diameter of the wire must be chosen as small as possible, no more than 0.5 mm. Here one person cannot cope, an assistant will be needed. The wire is set at the marked mark on the foam and uniform movements are made on both sides. As a result of friction of the metal wire on expanded polystyrene, it heats up and the material begins to melt at the cut.

Cutting foam with a string is the most effective method in terms of generating a minimum amount of debris, but the time spent on such work is significantly longer than when cutting with other tools.

Using a hand file

It will be very difficult and ineffective to cut a thicker foam slab over 50 mm with a knife. If you use an electric jigsaw, there will be a lot of debris, and the cut line will not work. Therefore, the best option for cutting polystyrene foam with a thickness of up to 10 cm at home with a hand file.

To carry out the work, it is recommended to purchase a file for wood with a length that will allow you to cut material with a thickness of 50-100 mm.

Preparatory work

It doesn’t matter what kind of tool you are going to use. a knife, nichrome thread or other cutting devices, you still need to start with the marking. So we take a ruler, square, tape measure, pencil and put marks on the surface of the sheet, then connect them in lines. In general, we draw the contours of the future cut.

How to cut polystyrene foam at home

Polyfoam is a fairly popular building material. It is used for heat and sound insulation of premises. In the course of construction work, this material requires processing, in particular, cutting to the required parameters. There are many options for cutting styrofoam that are applicable at home.

The procedure for cutting polystyrene requires compliance with certain rules, since the material, if handled improperly, can break, crumble. A variety of tools are used to cut foam, for example, a good knife, a soldering iron, a file with fine teeth for wood, metal, nichrome wire, a grinder (only for thin foam).

Consider several ways to cut polystyrene foam materials.

How and how to cut polystyrene

In order to cut a certain shape of insulation, any device for cutting foam can be used:

• knife;
• hacksaw for wood or metal;
• soldering iron;
• angle grinder called “grinder”;
• thin metal wire such as a string;
• thermal cutter;
• foam cutting machine;
• jigsaw with heated file.

If a hacksaw is chosen for wood, then its teeth should be as small as possible. All tools that do not heat up to a certain temperature do not guarantee that the foam will not crumble. Such tools are used for small amounts of work, but when it is necessary to insulate all the enclosing structures of the house, it is better to use an apparatus for cutting foam plastic, the action of which is based on heating the cutting element.

Extruded polystyrene foam XPS TECHNONICOL

Extruded polystyrene foam (or extruded polystyrene foam) is a new word in the field of thermal insulation technologies. It is a material with a uniform structure, which consists of completely closed small (0.1-0.2 mm) cells. For its production, polystyrene granules are mixed at high pressure and temperature, a foaming agent (a mixture of light freons and carbon dioxide) is introduced, and then squeezed out of the extruder.

Even in spite of the fact that the material began to be produced more than 60 years ago, it still has no analogues either in Russia or in the world. TECHNONICOL expanded polystyrene is a universal insulation in all respects.

Firstly, extruded polystyrene foam makes it possible to effectively insulate a wide variety of objects, structures and structures. In other words, it has a truly wide range of applications. XPS TECHNONICOL is used for thermal insulation of floors, walls, foundations, roofs, as well as various engineering structures and roads. Thus, extruded polystyrene foam is used in both industrial and private construction.

Secondly, the XPS TECHNONICOL insulation has unique technical characteristics. Admittedly. it is characterized by the lowest thermal conductivity in a number of other similar products. In addition, XPS TECHNONICOL is characterized by chemical resistance, high compressive strength, water and vapor resistance, as well as resistance to mold and mildew. Thus, TECHNONICOL extruded polystyrene foam not only provides thermal insulation, but also effectively prevents the effects of a number of other destructive and negative factors.

Among other qualities of the XPS TECHNONICOL foam polystyrene insulation is the almost complete absence of water absorption. The results of the tests carried out indicate that the water absorption of this material is no more than 0.2% by volume. In this case, only the cells located on the surface are filled, and moisture does not get inside the extruded polystyrene foam. Thanks to this quality, the material can be successfully used for flooring, roofing and basement, and additional protection of the material is not required.

Basics: How to get good, clean, straight cuts in XPS Foam (Black Magic Craft Episode 030)

In addition, extruded polystyrene foam belongs to the class of environmentally friendly materials, which makes it out of competition among other heaters.
In order for the use of this material to meet your expectations, you must adhere to some rules. When choosing an adhesive composition, the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding their suitability for processing boards should be taken into account. The following organic substances can cause shrinkage or softening of the boards:
– coal tar and its derivatives;
– water-based wood preservatives containing solvents;
– thinners for paints;
– acetone;
– petroleum toluene;
– ethyl acetate.

The tests carried out prove that the insulation made of expanded polystyrene is able to retain its thermal and physical properties even when it is subjected to repeated freezing and thawing. Consequently, this material can be used for the production of building envelopes, which are exposed to atmospheric effects and temperature extremes. According to experts, the enclosing structure made of extruded polystyrene foam can serve for at least 50 years.

In terms of resistance to chemicals, this material can easily withstand acids, saline solutions, caustic alkalis, bleach, water and water-based paints, alcohol and alcohol dyes, cements, fluorinated hydrocarbons, ammonia, oxygen, carbon dioxide, propane, butane. acetylene, paraffin, animal and vegetable oils.

TECHNONICOL extruded polystyrene foam can be operated in the temperature range from 50 ° C to 75 ° C. By adhering to this temperature regime, you can be sure of the invariability of the physical and thermal properties of the material. It is recommended to store it outdoors, without removing the original packaging. The only condition is to protect the slabs from intense sunlight in order to avoid destruction of the top layer.

The TechnoNIKOL company carries out the production of extruded polystyrene foam using the most modern technologies and the latest equipment, which makes it possible to produce really high-quality, reliable and durable heat-insulating material. The assortment of our corporation includes several types of XPS TECHNONICOL, focused on the optimal solution of your thermal insulation tasks.

In particular, we offer the following types of extruded polystyrene foam:

Correctly selected extruded polystyrene foam is an effective solution to problems with thermal insulation for many years to come, high savings in heating costs and a guarantee of the durability of structures and structures.