Difference between revisions of "Foam Cutter"
| Line 67: | Line 67: | ||
A 0.2mm wire is heated using a safe 10V source, and this heated wire cuts through the polystyrene, melting it and providing a clean cut. By varying the amount of voltage on the wire (and thus current), the wire temperature can be varied between 100℃ - 200℃ (212℉ - 392℉). | A 0.2mm wire is heated using a safe 10V source, and this heated wire cuts through the polystyrene, melting it and providing a clean cut. By varying the amount of voltage on the wire (and thus current), the wire temperature can be varied between 100℃ - 200℃ (212℉ - 392℉). | ||
| + | |||
| + | ''Installing the cutting wire'' | ||
| + | # Switch off the device. | ||
| + | # Carefully unwind the cutting wire approx. 8’’ (20 cm). | ||
| + | # Open the lower wire guide by turning the knurled screw 4 (Fig. 1). | ||
| + | # Thread the wire approx. 2’’ (5 cm) into the lower wire guide. | ||
| + | # Clamp the wire by turning the knurled screw 4. | ||
| + | # Push the overarm 5 lightly downwards with your left hand, thread the wire through the guide slot 10 and fasten the wire spool 6 so that the wire is slightly tensioned. | ||
| + | # Release the arm. The wire is tensioned by the spring force of the arm. | ||
| + | #Check that the wire is a right angle with work surface. Adjust, if necessary by sliding the spool carrier 8 or by bending the clamp. | ||
| + | # Connect the mains plug. Your device is now ready for use. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ''Cutting'' | ||
| + | # Switch on the device with the switch 1(Fig. 1). | ||
| + | |||
| + | Note: | ||
| + | It is normal that the wire extends somewhat after being heated for the first time. Stretch the wire slightly by the first heating and tension it again. The wire will now retain its length. | ||
| + | |||
| + | # Adjust the temperature with the regulator 2. The table on the front of the device serves | ||
| + | as a guide. The best way to find the ideal temperature is to try different temperatures yourself. For simple, straightforward cuts you use a high temperature, for complicated shapes a lower temperature. Please note that too high temperatures will cause untidy edges. | ||
| + | # Now move the workpiece through the wire with a light pressure and even speed. Be aware that too high pressure in the direction of the cut when cutting complicated shapes will tend to bend the wire. | ||
====Demonstration==== | ====Demonstration==== | ||
| Line 74: | Line 95: | ||
====General Procedure==== | ====General Procedure==== | ||
| − | + | “Small sections of long profiles can best be cut by laying a waste piece 1 (Fig. 6) between the stop and the work piece and then cutting against the stop. The cutting wire then cuts into the waste piece and the edges remain clean.” | |
==Safety== | ==Safety== | ||
Revision as of 23:08, 9 January 2022
Make: Proxxon
Model: Thermocut 12E & 115E
Ace: Needed (Makerhub@georgefox.edu).
Location: The Hub
Description
The PROXXON THERMOCUT allows you to cut polystyrene (Styrofoam) in a clean and safe way without frayed edges or particulation. This foam cutter is deal for architects, designers, decorators, artists, and teachers. Examples include building architectural models, classic model railroads, plane and boat items, and numerous decorative items.
The large table with 15 11/32" x 11" (390 x 280mm) ensures smooth and easy movement of the workpiece. The printed grid and protractor assist with division and cutting. The solid aluminum overarm has a 13 3/4" (350mm) throat and offers 5 1/2" (140mm) in height. The holder and wire coil (one spool of wire 98ft., 0.008" diameter is included) may be shifted and adjusted along the overarm to enable miter cutting. An LED indicates operation and thus reminds you not to touch the hot wire to prevent burnt fingers (the wire heats to maximum in less than 1 second).
Note: The correct temperature, being material and thickness dependent, is learned from experience. Profiles are ideally cut at lower temperatures and while applying less cutting force.
Technical data:
Cutting wire temperature: 210 - 390 °F (100 - 200 °C) Transformer secondary max: 10V at 1.0A Volts: 110 - 120V AC, 60 Hz Weight: 6.6 lb (3kg)
Here is an example of the table in use. (Link takes you to YouTube - embedding not allowed for this video??)
This is Proxxon's video for the hand-held cutter.
This is Proxxon's video for the table-top cutter.
Documentation
Terminology
There are two types of polystyrene foam best suited for processing with the Hot wire foam cutters and Hot knife cutters: extruded polystyrene (XPS foam), and expanded polystyrene (EPS foam). Although both types of insulation are comprised of polystyrene, the two types of manufacturing processes produce finished products with very different performance properties. XPS is manufactured in a continuous extrusion process that produces a homogeneous closed cell cross-section, whereas EPS is manufactured by expanding spherical beads in a mold, using heat and pressure to fuse the beads together.
User Manual
Training
Operation
A 0.2mm wire is heated using a safe 10V source, and this heated wire cuts through the polystyrene, melting it and providing a clean cut. By varying the amount of voltage on the wire (and thus current), the wire temperature can be varied between 100℃ - 200℃ (212℉ - 392℉).
Installing the cutting wire
- Switch off the device.
- Carefully unwind the cutting wire approx. 8’’ (20 cm).
- Open the lower wire guide by turning the knurled screw 4 (Fig. 1).
- Thread the wire approx. 2’’ (5 cm) into the lower wire guide.
- Clamp the wire by turning the knurled screw 4.
- Push the overarm 5 lightly downwards with your left hand, thread the wire through the guide slot 10 and fasten the wire spool 6 so that the wire is slightly tensioned.
- Release the arm. The wire is tensioned by the spring force of the arm.
- Check that the wire is a right angle with work surface. Adjust, if necessary by sliding the spool carrier 8 or by bending the clamp.
- Connect the mains plug. Your device is now ready for use.
Cutting
- Switch on the device with the switch 1(Fig. 1).
Note: It is normal that the wire extends somewhat after being heated for the first time. Stretch the wire slightly by the first heating and tension it again. The wire will now retain its length.
- Adjust the temperature with the regulator 2. The table on the front of the device serves
as a guide. The best way to find the ideal temperature is to try different temperatures yourself. For simple, straightforward cuts you use a high temperature, for complicated shapes a lower temperature. Please note that too high temperatures will cause untidy edges.
- Now move the workpiece through the wire with a light pressure and even speed. Be aware that too high pressure in the direction of the cut when cutting complicated shapes will tend to bend the wire.
Demonstration
Insert text
General Procedure
“Small sections of long profiles can best be cut by laying a waste piece 1 (Fig. 6) between the stop and the work piece and then cutting against the stop. The cutting wire then cuts into the waste piece and the edges remain clean.”
Safety
Insert text
Certification
Troubleshooting
Maintenance
General maintenance
Insert text
Specific Maintenance Tasks
| Maintenance Procedure | Frequency | Done By |
|---|---|---|
| Sample | Sample | Sample |