Closed-cell foam is a completely unique cloth, that, in its diverse formulations, is long lasting, resilient, and can be found in blocks and sheets, or thicknesses so thin it behaves like cloth. because of this versatility, humans robotically discover makes use of for it of their ordinary lives. but, having foam custom-reduce every time you've got a want is unrealistic. fortunately, closed-cell foam is an exceptionally clean cloth to paintings with. whether you're making pipe wraps, packaging, climate stripping, or something else, you'll want to recognise a way to cut closed-cellular foam appropriately. by means of taking the following steps into consideration, you should be able to reduce multiple closed-cell foam substances without problems.

 

observe: those instructions exclude elevated polystyrene (EPS), that is first-rate reduce by way of hot wire.

 

Getting began

 

earlier than drawing near the distinct foam cutting methods, it's vital to cope with the substances you may need. unlike open-cellular foam, closed-cell materials have to be reduce with a immediately, non-serrated blade like a application knife or crafting knife. these knives paintings nicely because their blades are disposable and clean to replace as they dull. Scissors will also be used for smaller, salon booking software informal projects, although they may be best powerful on specific foam types and thicknesses. it is clever to have a immediately-facet to cut by means of as well. lastly, usually reduce foam on a solid surface that won't be broken.

 

reduce: Neoprene, cross-related Polyethylene, gymnasium Rubber, and Polyethylene Roll

 

Neoprene is a rubbery material, cross-related polyethylene (XLPE) is slightly "plasticy," polyethylene roll is a skinny, sheet-like fabric just like XLPE, and gym rubber is spongy, however may be the softest or firmest material among these four types relying on formula. regardless of these differences, the bodily systems of those materials are comparable sufficient to method them within the equal manner whilst slicing.

 

the use of Scissors

 

when handling neoprene, gym rubber, XLPE, or polyethylene roll, the primary element you need to remember is material thickness. if you're working with sheets 1/8" thick or much less, you have got the option of reducing with sharp scissors. Scissors are simplest suggested for recreational tasks because they are able to leave jagged edges. if you're making shapes for bathtub toys, or trimming backing for card making, scissors are speedy and powerful. due to its flexibility, PE roll is the perfect material out of those 4 to reduce with scissors.

 

unmarried-bypass reducing approach

 

For unique initiatives that involve materials thicker than 1/eight", you may need to reduce with a immediately blade. Thickness desires to be considered once more, as it will dictate the method you use to reduce with the knife.

 

in case you're cutting a sheet 1/2" or much less, you must use the unmarried bypass-via technique, where you are making a unmarried blade stroke that slices via the overall thickness of the cloth. certainly observe your sample down the foam till you have the reduce you want. The single-skip method guarantees the cleanest edges, even though it isn't always recommended for foam thicker than 1/2", because it turns into hard to transport the blade through the material smoothly. using the sharpest blade possible is essential for the unmarried-bypass method, as stupid knives can snag once you get into the heart of the material.

 

To make your reduce, make certain the froth is anchored on the begin of the reduce to prevent the material from puckering underneath stress. start slicing from an out of doors aspect each time possible and do now not stop slicing once you have got begun.

 

more than one-bypass slicing method

 

For closed-cell foam greater than half of" thickness, it will become hard to pull a blade thru the fabric in a single skip. attempting to achieve this can go away snags or sloppy cuts. luckily, the more than one-skip cutting method will get the activity executed well on thick sheets of closed-cell foam. using a directly-part that runs the whole period of the cut is the maximum critical issue of this method, as you may want a guide line to observe as you make more than one slices through the foam.

 

once your cutting line is established and your directly aspect is in area, begin your cut exactly how you did inside the unmarried-bypass approach. but in place of plunging the blade all the way via the foam, best cut about 1/8" to at least one/4" of the way through; simply sufficient to maintain the blade shifting with out force. it's also very important that each shallow cut runs the whole period of the froth. retain to make those lengthy, shallow strokes along your immediately-facet, slicing greater deeply each pass via. do that till you've got absolutely sliced your manner via the sheet.