Difference between revisions of "Activity: How to use the hot wire foam cutter!"

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The Hot Wire Foam Cutter is a custom piece of equipment created by the DaBL staff to very rapidly produce a three-dimensional object. As the name suggests, this machine uses a hot wire to manually cut a piece of foam stock as a subtractive manufacturing technique. Some applications for this process include but are not limited to making a very rough prototype for a project or a proof of concept.
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[[File:Hot Wire Foam Cutter.jpg|alt=Hot Wire Foam Cutter|thumb|DaBL's Hot Wire Foam Cutter Station]]
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The Hot Wire Foam Cutter is a custom piece of equipment created by the DaBL staff to very rapidly produce a three-dimensional object. As the name suggests, this machine uses a hot wire to manually cut a piece of foam stock as a [[Manufacturing techniques#subtractive manufacturing|subtractive manufacturing]] technique. Some applications for this process include but are not limited to making a very rough prototype for a project or a proof of concept.
  
==Materials==
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== Device Information ==
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This device is a custom designed and created machine in DaBL crafted by the DaBL director with the help of the [[Creative and Technical Specialist|CaTS]]. The device consists of a wooden cutting board under which house the electronics components for the device. Out of the back comes a metal post from which a piece of wire is spooled around and reattached at the bottom of the wood board. Power is fed from an outlet through the post which heats the wire. The amount of power can be controlled by the small knob in the front.
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It is advised that members '''<u>do not</u>''' fiddle with the knob as the desired setting is usually already in place.
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==Required Materials==
  
 
#Hot wire foam cutter
 
#Hot wire foam cutter
#Foam
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#Foam Stock
#Imagination
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#Design of desired object
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== Safety ==
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The single vertical wire of this device is '''<u>extremely hot</u>'''. Keep in mind the following:
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* make sure hair, sleeves, and jewelry are tucked away.
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* avoid contact with hands, fingers, and other parts of the body when wire is in use.
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* only cut the approved foam on this device.
  
 
==Cutting foam==
 
==Cutting foam==
Before you begin, ensure that nothing is in direct contact with the wire as it will get VERY HOT. Next, place your foot on the pedal located on the floor. Press and hold your foot on the pedal in order to heat up the wire. Note that the wire will not heat up unless you hold your foot on the pedal. It only takes a few seconds for the wire to get hot when on and subsequently cool when off. Once hot, drag your foam through the wire to cut and create your desired shape. Sophisticated cutting techniques can manipulate the foam to make curved surfaces and patterns. Be careful NOT to touch the wire with any part of your body while touching especially if you value that part of your body.
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In order to use the hot wire foam cutter, place and hold your foot on the safety pedal located on the floor. The wire will not heat up unless your foot is on the pedal. It will take about 20 seconds to heat properly.
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=== Procedure ===
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# Conceptualize 3D design.
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# Heat wire with foot pedal.
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# Place and drag foam through the wire.

Latest revision as of 21:38, 20 March 2020

Hot Wire Foam Cutter
DaBL's Hot Wire Foam Cutter Station

The Hot Wire Foam Cutter is a custom piece of equipment created by the DaBL staff to very rapidly produce a three-dimensional object. As the name suggests, this machine uses a hot wire to manually cut a piece of foam stock as a subtractive manufacturing technique. Some applications for this process include but are not limited to making a very rough prototype for a project or a proof of concept.

Device Information

This device is a custom designed and created machine in DaBL crafted by the DaBL director with the help of the CaTS. The device consists of a wooden cutting board under which house the electronics components for the device. Out of the back comes a metal post from which a piece of wire is spooled around and reattached at the bottom of the wood board. Power is fed from an outlet through the post which heats the wire. The amount of power can be controlled by the small knob in the front.

It is advised that members do not fiddle with the knob as the desired setting is usually already in place.

Required Materials

  1. Hot wire foam cutter
  2. Foam Stock
  3. Design of desired object

Safety

The single vertical wire of this device is extremely hot. Keep in mind the following:

  • make sure hair, sleeves, and jewelry are tucked away.
  • avoid contact with hands, fingers, and other parts of the body when wire is in use.
  • only cut the approved foam on this device.

Cutting foam

In order to use the hot wire foam cutter, place and hold your foot on the safety pedal located on the floor. The wire will not heat up unless your foot is on the pedal. It will take about 20 seconds to heat properly.

Procedure

  1. Conceptualize 3D design.
  2. Heat wire with foot pedal.
  3. Place and drag foam through the wire.