Styrodur, or extruded polystyrene XPS, is an expanded material with high density and a high degree of compaction. It is characterized by resistance to mechanical damage, extreme temperatures and moisture. Thanks to these features, it is used as an insulating material in modern construction. Styrodur must be well-matched to the substrate. However, only a few tools are suitable for cutting blocks of the material. Find out what is best for cutting Styrodur and which tools should NOT be used.
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What to remember when cutting Styrofoam?
Cutting Styrodur is problematic for two reasons. First, it requires the use of specialist tools that allow thermal cutting instead of mechanical processing of the material. Second, Styrodur can be easily damaged or its visual value can be reduced during processing. In principle, only 3-4 tools are able to ensure safe and precise processing of Styrodur. And only if you take care of the appropriate parameters of the device (operating temperature, blade size). You will learn about them later in the guide.
What are the best tools for cutting Styrofoam?
Safe, fast and precise cutting of Styrodur, regardless of the level of complexity of the shapes, the size of the boards and the intensity of the work, is possible with a thermal plotter. However, this is specialist equipment, expensive and quite complicated to use. It will certainly not be a cost-effective choice for small or cyclical projects. A thermal plotter is mainly used by companies specializing in cutting such demanding materials as Styrodur.
So what to use to cut Styrodur on a small and medium scale and for occasional projects? A thermal knife will be an economically optimal, yet effective and safe solution. It has the form of a mobile, hand-held plotter. Its construction consists of a heating module and a heating working blade (usually) with the possibility of length adjustment. The knife blade separates the material, melting it, which translates into high edge quality. When choosing a thermal knife, it is essential to pay attention to the possibility of adjusting the working temperature in a wide range. Styrodur is available in various variants, which are characterized by different melting temperatures. The ergonomic design and careful workmanship of a thermal knife are of great importance for work comfort. Inconvenient, unwieldy, heavy models cause discomfort and quick fatigue in the operator, which contributes to making mistakes.
Economical cutting of Styrodur is also ensured by saw blades with very fine teeth. However, it is rarely possible to obtain perfectly smooth edges in this way. It should be remembered that processing with a saw blade is associated with the risk of reducing the aesthetic value of the material (small balls often appear) or even seriously damaging it. The operator must exercise particular care during work. It should also be remembered that with fast movements the saw blade heats up a lot, which on the one hand speeds up the cutting process, but on the other hand can result in wavy edges.
For cutting out individual elements, you can use a set consisting of a resistance wire and a cutting tool equipped with a temperature and blade tension control function.
In addition, a hand saw with fine teeth is suitable for cutting Styrodur. This is a convenient and easy-to-use tool, which is often used by specialists dealing with foundation insulation to adjust the dimensions of the board. The saw requires the use of a hood. Otherwise, crumbs of material will fly everywhere.
What definitely cannot be used to cut Styrofoam?
Standard kitchen knives, panel saws and large-toothed blades are definitely NOT suitable for precise cutting of Styrofoam.
We encourage construction and renovation companies, tool stores and all professionals from the construction industry to familiarize themselves with our wholesale offer. Our assortment includes advanced power tools (such as an electric saber saw for pipes) and ergonomic hand tools that will prove useful on every construction site and in every workshop. We are a distributor of innovative tools from the REMS, Ironside, Rothenberger and Wolfcraft brands. Onninen consultants provide free substantive support.