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Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam: FAQs:

Q5 : What are the benefits of using EPS for packaging?

Q6 : What kinds of foam can I cut with Hot Wire tools?

Q7 : Are the fumes when cutting polystyrene foams with hot wire tools dangerous?

Q1 : What is EPS foam?
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam is a lightweight, rigid, closed cell insulation. EPS is available in several compressive strengths to withstand load and back-fill forces. The word Styrofoam™ is actually a trademarked term for closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam made for thermal insulation and craft applications. EPS foam is the correct term for any form of expanded polystyrene. EPS has been a material of choice for more than 50 years because of its versatility, lightweight, reliable insulation characteristics, and cost effectiveness.

EPS is flammable

EPS is a closed cell and cannot absorb water.

Originally discovered by Eduard Simon in 1839 in Germany

Can be cut with Hot Wire tools

Density 28-45kg/m3.

Chemical formula (C8H8)n

Melting point ~ 240 °C (464 °F; 513 K) For Isotactic Polystyrene

Q2 : What is polystyrene?
Polystyrene is an organic compound consisting of hydrogen and carbon. Polystyrene is chemically inert. The term polystyrene foam applies to two types of materials that are produced with different production methods and technical properties but are frequently confused. One is called EPS (or Expanded Polystyrene), the other is called XPS (or Extruded Polystyrene).

more info on wiki: click here

Q3 : How is EPS made?
EPS is produced from solid beads of polystyrene with added pentane. Expansion is achieved when heat in the form of steam is applied to the raw material. This results in the gas expanding and forming closed cells of EPS. These cells occupy approximately 50 times the volume of the original polystyrene bead. By comparison this would be the same as expanding a tennis ball to the size of a basketball. When EPS has been expanded it consists of 98% air and 2% polystyrene. As a single polymer material, it is easy to recycle.

Q4 : What is Styrofoam™?
The word Styrofoam™ is actually a trademarked term for closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam XPS made for thermal insulation and craft applications. Styrofoam™ belongs to Dow Chemical which relates to XPS. It was discovered in 1941.

Q5 : What are the benefits of using EPS for packaging?

outstanding cushioning properties

can be moulded in different compressive strengths and shapes

The strength and rigidity of the material

Q6 : What kinds of foam can I cut with Hot Wire tools?

EPS/Expanded Polystyrene. This is the most common foam for hot wiring as it is strong, lightweight and cuts very easily with a hot wire or hot knife. It is usually white and is made of tiny foam bubbles. It’s often used for packaging.
XPS/Extruded Polystyrene. This is usually a denser foam that is very smooth and although the cuts are slower than EPS they are very clean and smooth. Some examples of XPS foam are Styrofoam, Owens Corning Pinkboard (Foamular), and DOW Blueboard.

Q7 : Are the fumes when cutting polystyrene foams with hot wire tools dangerous?
The smoke that you may encounter while cutting EPS foam is primarily CO2 and water vapor, which are far less harmful than other common art products like aerosols and paint thinners. Ventilation is always strongly suggested.

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