Polyfoam is used today in many sectors of construction and industry. With its help, you can arrange 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. Foam cutting machines can be purchased at the store, but it will be much cheaper to carry out such equipment yourself.
Production of a design for cutting foam sheets
In order to get a clean and even cut, you need to use the appropriate equipment. Hot steel can serve as an outlet, however, 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 machine for figured foam cutting, it is necessary to prepare certain materials and tools. You will need a table to which certain requirements are presented, so 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 current from 220 to 24 volts. A string with a high resistance 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 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 underlie the string.
Safety of use
If the machine for 3d foam cutting is made using a chrome-plated string, then a current of 220 volts will be permissible. But, working with a similar discharge, it is necessary to observe safety rules. If you use a discharge of 24 volts, then there is no danger to life. It will be inconsequential. It must be remembered that a foam cutting machine that uses hot steel will work, and toxic fumes will be released into the air, which indicates the need for a protective mask. In this case, you need to work in a well-ventilated area. It is preferable to carry out cutting work on the street.
Machine Manufacturer's Recommendations
When making a foam cutting machine, you may not find a table whose parameters correspond to the above. In this case, a particleboard canvas, a board or plywood can be used as a base. The technology for assembling the machine involves the use of a 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 rack height and base thickness will depend on the preferences and needs of the owner. If the web thickness is equal to 1, 8 cm, and the rack height is 2, 8 cm, then in the fully screwed-in state the screw will not be able to pass through the web. Whereas if you completely unscrew it, then he will be able to cut the canvas, whose thickness is 5 cm.
Changing machine parameters
When making foam cutting machines, it is necessary to take into account the fact that in the future there will be a need to cut thicker canvases of materials, while short screws can be unscrewed and longer ones can be installed in their place. In order to press-fit, you need to make a hole in the base. Its diameter should be less than this indicator inherent to 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 starting to screw the screw into the rack, you need to cut a groove under his hat. In order to accomplish this, it is necessary to clamp its end with a screwdriver, while a thin file should be laid under the head, and then use the rotation. The groove is necessary in order to fix in one position the wire, which can move during adjustment. In order for the wire not to sag, lengthening after heating, it must be fixed to the springs, and then to the screws. Performing 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, you need to apply a technology called "promotion with compression." The copper wire must have a cross section of at least 1.45 sq. Mm.
Final work
At the next stage, you need 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 ability to adjust the thickness of the cutting blade, it is necessary to make the removal of conductive conductors. Sagging wires should be eliminated by making a hole in the base of the hole through which a segment is passed and fixed on the back of the surface with brackets. If you will be cutting foam, the machine with your own hands can be easily made. The wires during the process should be folded together in the form of a bundle, this will eliminate their tangling. At the ends of the wires, you need to strengthen the terminals so that you can connect them to a power source.
Finally
If you yourself decided to make a CNC machine for cutting foam, then it will be quite enough for you to use at home, unless you are going to establish a production line. The speed of the blade during cutting should not be too 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 will not be expedient to manufacture and use an automatic type machine. After all, to carry out 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.