Useful Information Regarding Foam Cutting Wires

By Frances West


Foam finds use in a wide range of applications, including insulation and cushioning. However, foams are usually produced in huge sheets that cannot be used in such sizes. That is why they have to be reduced to smaller sizes that can be used easily. Reducing foams to smaller sizes involves the use of foam cutting wires. These are wires that are designed specifically for use to cut foams into different shapes and sizes.

There are several different kinds of foams in use today. Two of the most common types are the expanded polystyrene and extruded polystyrene foams. The abbreviations EPS and XPS are used to denote the two types respectively. EPS foams are composed of little beads, which have variable densities, strength, and weight. These differences lead to the classification of the foams into different sub-categories.

Electrical appliances need insulation during shipping. EPS foams come in handy during the shipping of such appliances. XPS foams on the other hand are smooth and vary in strength. They have their uses in package padding and also insulating walls in residences. They are commonly found in packaging outlets and building supply warehouses.

Normally, foam chopping wires are fixed on a tool. These tools have handles which a user holds as they cut. Most foam cutting equipment are used to cut through a variety of foams. It is advisable though to check through manufacturer manuals that come with these tools before using them on different types of foams.

Manufacturers usually specify the kind of foams that their tools can be used to cut. Using the tool on the wrong kind of foam can usually cause damage to the tool. In other cases, it may cause accidents such as burns. One should also follow all the user instructions that manufacturers provide when using the tool. This is important in order to avoid safety hazards that may result.

Usually, all foam cutters depend on heat in order to do the job. Resistive heating is used in heating the wire. This implies that the wire has high electrical resistance which allows for the change of electrical energy into heat energy. The hot wire can then be used to cut foams easily. Therefore, these electrical appliances require electricity to function.

When cutting foams, there are usually fumes that are produced. These fumes are usually made of carbon dioxide and water vapor in most cases, but other gasses may also be present. Given the composition of these fumes, their ability to be toxic is much lower. However, it is still highly recommended to work in a properly ventilated space. Accumulation of carbon dioxide can be dangerous.

There are different manufacturers of these tools in the market today. That means that there are different models too that one must choose from. Knowing what to consider in a tool before choosing is important. One can talk to someone who already has prior experience working with these tools before buying so as to be better informed.




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