Hotwire Foam Cutter
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A hotwire foam cutter is either a handheld or tabletop tool used to cut styrofoam, polystyrene, or other types of foam comprised of a thin metal wire, usually made of conductor alloy metals, heated by an electrical current. Although the exact origins of the tool are unknown, several claims have been made, including that of Tony Natal, who developed the design as an alternative to sawing foam which creates a large mess.[1]
Multiple variations on the hotwire include handheld "wands;" larger tabletop cutters, essentially like a tabletop saw; and even large CNC-style machines, with working temperatures reaching anywhere from 200 to 500 degrees Celsius.[2] Most modern hotwires use Nichrome as the heated element of the tool.
A 2002 study in the International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture found that the accuracy of hotwire operation was also determined by the properties of the foam used, meaning that just adding more heat to the hotwire doesn't necessarily guarantee cleaner cuts.[3]
Although hotwires have many industrial uses, especially for large scale fabrication, they are notably popular among hobbyist model makers. Hotwires are also commonplace in stop-motion set building because of their simplicity, accuracy, and cleanliness.
References[edit]
- ↑ "The Tools of Choice for Hobbyists and Professionals". Hot Wire Foam Factory. Hot Wire Foam Factory. Retrieved November 3, 2022.
- ↑ "Hotwire Systems". Hotwire Systems. Hotwire Systems. Retrieved 3 November 2022.
- ↑ Ahn, D.G.; Lee, S.H.; Yang, D.Y. "Investigation into thermal characteristics of linear hotwire cutting system for variable lamination manufacturing (VLM) process by using expandable polystyrene foam". Science Direct. International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture. Retrieved November 3, 2022.
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