The foam is used as a "core," or inside piece, for a fiberglass or other plastic coating. For specific applications, extruded polystyrene panels are available scored so they can be snapped at 16” intervals instead of cut. EPS is also easily worked in the field during installation. 1. Metal Deck Flute Fillers. Polystyrene, also known as PS or styrene, is a thermoplastic and is part of the vinyl polymer family. Nevertheless, if there are gaps between the polystyrene sheets, you can solve the problem by spraying polyurethane foam. If you follow my projects and in particular my youtube channel you know I use a lot of foam to make projects. ... Extruded polystyrene closed-cell foam panel with fabricated drainage channels and a non-woven fi ltration fabric overlapping the board on three sides. This is the key difference between expanded and extruded polystyrene. There, the mixture combines perfectly and melts under controlled conditions such as high temperatures pressures. This gas expands when we heat the material. Find out more about our polystyrene … Extruded polystyrene also provides a high level of … However, you can also opt for the tip of the blade of a craft knife to score a line. Expanded Polystyrene Insulation, more commonly referred to as EPS, is a closed cell insulation that has been around since the 1950’s. Change the utility knife blade as needed, as soon as you notice the foam snagging on the knife blade. They are lightweight, prefabricated extruded polystyrene insulation panels that are pre-coated with an attractive acrylic based coating. Extruded polystyrene is one of the most efficient heat insulation materials in the construction market and it is widely used for heat insulation of foundations, roofs, floors, pipelines, roads and railways. Hardscape Applications for Expanded Polystyrene. The outstanding shock absorbency of expanded polystyrene packaging guarantees the protection of products. It offers a high level of moisture resistance, and is not susceptible to temperature or humidity changes. Repeat the action, applying slightly more pressure on the knife. When it comes to cutting rigid foam insulation, one of the easiest ways is to use a fine toothed handsaw. Expanded & Extruded Polystyrene EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam is a sculpting material that can be sculpted quickly and easily for making all light-weight 3D forms. Geofoam. Polystyrene foam insulation, commonly used for exterior house insulation, is manufactured in a wide variety of thicknesses and strengths. Visit the Styroboard website for more details Browse the other products in the Foamex range: StyReflex , Diamond Pods , Expol , Styroboard , PurlinK , EPS Blocks , EPS Cut Shapes , XPS Extruded Polystyrene . The most favourable properties of this polymer material include excellent thermal insulation, damping properties and extreme lightweight. EPS Geofoam for movie theaters, school and college lecture halls. Available in a wide range of thicknesses. Measure and mark the dimensions for your cut using the measuring tape and marker. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy: Legal. (Build your own with these instructions.) Gently score the surface of the board along your mark with the utility knife. 1. Often it isn’t even necessary to cut all the way through, you can simply score it and then snap along the scored line.If you’re going to cut a lot of foam, or desire to work with expanded polystyrene, you’ll want to get a hot wire cutter. To cut polystyrene foam insulation, all you need are a few household tools and a supply of very sharp utility knife blades. Available here   A Hot Wire Foam Cutter is a electrical tool used to cut polystyrene (EPS, XPS) foams and similar materials. Shipped in poly-wrapped units with individually wrapped or banded Therefore, it is useful in construction and engineering applications. This heating process forms closed cells of EPS. That isn't a trademark name. For over 40 years it has been used to insulate refrigerated trucks and refrigeration equipment and piping. Stroke the utility knife repeatedly into the scored surface of your cut, applying more pressure for every stroke. It offers a number of valuable advantages: low thermal conductivity, high strength, biological resistance, ecological compatibility and durability of use for more than 40 years. Place the caulk in the caulking gun. If you're cutting the rigid foam for a specific project, measure the length and width you will need it to be. Extruded polystyrene slabs are produced by mixing polystyrene beads at an elevated temperature and pressure with the addition of blowing agent and subsequently extruding from the extruder. i'm afraid using a utility knife will not give me a straight square edge, while using a saw might rip the edge of the insulation? Use an abrasive blade such as used to cut stone etc. 2. When considering the production processes, the expanded polystyrene has a minimum harmful effect on the environment than the extruded polystyrene. ! Extruded polystyrene also provides a high level of … Extruded polystyrene is about as strong as an unalloyed aluminium but much more flexible and much less dense (1.05 g/cm 3 for polystyrene vs. 2.70 g/cm 3 for aluminium). It has a uniform closed-cell structure and smooth skin. Laser processing of polystyrene can be performed with a 10.6 or 9.3 micron CO 2 laser. The local Lowes and Home Depot apparently does not carry extruded polystyrene insulation sheets that are cut to fit between wall framing. Alt… Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) and STYROFOAM™ Brand Foam Products. Foam Products Corporation provides clients with a full range of capabilities for extruded polystyrene foam products to fit all of their XPS needs. TECHNONICOL extruded polystyrene has an excellent energy-saving performance due to improved physical and mechanical prop… The device consists of a thin, taut cutting wire, often made of NiChrome, Titanium, Stainless steel, or a thicker wire preformed into a desired shape, which is … Do not use a saw to cut polystyrene foam insulation, as this will produce severely jagged ends. Cutting, bonding, and coating 11 EPF is usually cut with common wood-I working tools, which must be kept very sharp at all times to cut … Only 0.1% of total oil consumption is used to manufacture EPS. Expanded polystyrene or EPS is a thermoplastic foam material that we produce from solid beads of polystyrene whereas the extruded polystyrene or XPS is a foam material that we produce from solid polystyrene crystals. Although both types of insulation are comprised of polystyrene, the two types of manufacturing processes produce finished products with very different performance properties. Laser cutting of polystyrene can be performed with a 9.3 or 10.6 micron CO 2 laser, resulting a clean, smooth, slightly melted cut edge, free of discoloration. should i use the table saw with a thin blade for wood finishing work? Organic shapes for high-volume exterior and interior applications. Then we can shape, cool and trim this material into the desired shape. For example, it is not resistant to organic solvents, it is flammable if oil painted, health concerns when using as a packaging material for food items, etc. Expanded polystyrene is a type of foam made from polystyrene. One more alternative is to use 2lb./cubic foot (25psi - pounds per square inch) extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) - Dow Square Edge, or "blue board". This results in a viscous plastic fluid, which is hot and thick. Use a cutter to cut the foam and make the surface even. Styrofoam, which is also known as polystyrene, is a hard foam material often used in building props and models. It is a lightweight, rigid and closed cell insulation. We cut and deliver polystyrene sheets In Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, East London & Port Elizabeth In South Africa. Rebecca Mecomber, a former radio broadcaster, has been a professional blogger and writer since 2006. ClimaFoam ® Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) is a high performance, water resistant and lightweight board of thermal insulation recommended for use under concrete slabs, green roofs, ... ® XPS Board is ideal for applications in the construction industry as it is equipped for 'site survival' and can be cut to shapes that make it extremely fit for use. 3. Diall 5mm Extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam Laminate & solid wood flooring Underlay panels - B&Q for all your home and garden supplies and advice on all the latest DIY trends Combining low thermal conductivity and low water absorption, extruded polystyrene has become the first choice for specifiers in a wide range of insulation applications. It is usual for the compacted EPS to be stored on-site until 5 to 20 metric tones are available, as this makes transport and distribution more cost-effective. Two popular types of polystyrene foam used in construction include expanded polystyrene and extruded polystyrene. Extruded Polystyrene has been used extensively for model making, including model railways, model boats, surf boards, architectural modelling, sculptures and table top games like Warhammer. The boards are specially long to help cover more areas and therefore reduce installation time and cost. The trademark name for this product is Styrofoam (by The Dow Chemical Company). Cut the tip of the caulk with a box cutter or sharp utility scissors to start the bead. It offers improved surface roughness, higher stiffness and reduced thermal conductivity. This material has a superior moisture resistance. What is Expanded Polystyrene It is a lightweight, rigid and closed cell insulation. Extruded polystyrene is also easy to cut and shape to form different products, or for installation on a construction project. As a result, extruded polystyrene has been used successfully for years to insulate areas of high moisture such as low-temperature warehouses and refrigerated vehicles. Turn the styrene molding over so the wrong side is facing up. The key difference between expanded and extruded polystyrene is that we produce expanded polystyrene (or EPS) from solid beads of polystyrene while we produce extruded polystyrene (or XPS) from solid polystyrene crystals.. With a mind rooted firmly to basic principals of chemistry and passion for ever evolving field of industrial chemistry, she is keenly interested to be a true companion for those who seek knowledge in the subject of chemistry. This way, you can vacuum the fine foam created by the fine teeth more easily. EPS blocks or boards used in building construction are commonly cut using hot wires. “How Does EPS Play a Role in Your Daily Life?” ThoughtCo, ThoughtCo. Those who want to create specific shapes will have more reasons to hesitate between expanded and extruded polystyrene. XPS is manufactured in a continuous extrusion process that pr… Summary. After the expansion, these beads increase their volume by 40 times than the original volume of the bead. For dynamic loads, 10:1 is suggested. All rights reserved. Laser processing of polystyrene can be performed with a 10.6 or 9.3 micron CO 2 laser. The key difference between expanded and extruded polystyrene is that we produce expanded polystyrene (or EPS) from solid beads of polystyrene while we produce extruded polystyrene (or XPS) from solid polystyrene crystals. Laser cutting of polystyrene can be performed with a 9.3 or 10.6 micron CO 2 laser, resulting a clean, smooth, slightly melted cut edge, free of discoloration. 1. I live in West Islip, NY. Put the pieces in a blender with enough water so that the foam floats near the top. The question around which is the best glue to use on styrofoam or polystyrene is a common one and there are a number of glues out there that claim to do the job. Since Styrofoam™ Brand Extruded Polystyrene Foam Insulations are visco-elastic materials, adequate design safety factors should be used to prevent long-term creep and fatigue deformation. Geofoam Technical Resources. Styroboard EPS expanded polystyrene blocks can also be custom-cut in a range of shapes to protect items in storage, shipping and handling. There are two types of polystyrene foam best suited for processing with the Hot wire foam cutters and Hot knife cutters: extruded polystyrene (XPS foam), and expanded polystyrene (EPS foam). (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Copyright © 2010-2018 Difference Between. The beads are melted, and a blowing agent is added. Model building using polystyrene foam affords the user with an inexpensive lightweight alternative to the use of wood as a modeling material, all while still allowing the use of woodworking tools to shape the foam. Remove Strawberry Stains From a Cutting Board, Owens-Corning: Owens-Corning Pink Extruded Polystyrene Foam Insulation, Dow Industries: Renovate with styrofoam Brand Extruded Polystyrene Foam Insulation. With insulation and padding properties, this material is used in construction. Measure your cut with a straightedge ruler. thanks, kevin Extruded Polystyrene sheets are 25-100 mm thick, which can be cut and shaped into almost any … Structural beams built above-grade using EPS geofoam insulating forms. Even though extruded polystyrene is in the crafts models building, to … Diall 5mm Extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam Laminate & solid wood flooring Underlay panels Trade Building Supplies The short-term for expanded polystyrene is EPS, and for extruded polystyrene, it is XPS. If it’s only handled a little, expanded polystyrene will largely do the trick. Rigid foam insulation, whether it is expanded or extruded polystyrene, does have to be covered if it is installed in the interior of a building. Place the carpenter's square or yardstick on your drawn measurements, to use as a straight edge to guide the utility knife as you cut. Therefore, in the production process, we need special additives and blowing agents along with polystyrene crystals. Both these materials are thermoplastic and rigid. Overview and Key Difference Although both types of insulation are comprised of polystyrene, the two types of manufacturing processes produce finished products with very different performance properties. Therefore, it is one of the lightest packaging material. This will ensure a straight, neat cut. There are two types of polystyrene foam best suited for processing with the Hot wire foam cutters and Hot knife cutters: extruded polystyrene (XPS foam), and expanded polystyrene (EPS foam). Thoroughly clean and cut the polystyrene into small squares with sharp scissors. 4. For static loads, 3:1 is suggested. EPS is also easily worked in the field during installation. These properties make it useful as building materials, packaging material, model planes, etc. Moreover, it has excellent chemical resistance, soil compatibility, the ability of outdoor storage, etc. Mainly, it is used as insulation in floors, facades and cold rooms. Once it’s cut, the panel will be transformed into a fully fledged decorative element. Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms. The Possibilities Are Endless!” Insulation Corporation of America. Mix with equal parts sphagnum peat moss to make your own soilless potting or seedling mix. We feed these components into an extruder. Side by Side Comparison – Expanded vs Extruded Polystyrene in Tabular Form Expanded polystyrene or EPS is a thermoplastic foam material that we produce from solid beads of polystyrene. Use heavyduty work gloves to protect your hands from the sharp blades. Once it’s cut, the panel will be transformed into a fully fledged decorative element. Madhu is a graduate in Biological Sciences with BSc (Honours) Degree and currently persuing a Masters Degree in Industrial and Environmental Chemistry. Tools & Adhesives. Production [ edit ] Polystyrene is an addition polymer that results when styrene monomers interconnect ( polymerization ). EPF is used in flotation devices, insulation, egg cartons, flats for meat and produce, sandwich and hamburger boxes, coffee cups, plates, peanut packaging, and picnic coolers. Extruded polystyrene (XPS), also known as extruded porexpan, is manufactured in the form of rigid material. 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Protection and waterproofing within building walls, roofing systems and pools a saw to cut stone etc rejects re-used. Electrical how to cut extruded polystyrene used to insulate refrigerated trucks and refrigeration equipment and piping lot! Used to manufacture EPS and has excellent Chemical resistance, and disregard of... And models compare these dimensions to the desired shape also easily worked in the and! And has excellent Chemical resistance, soil compatibility, the panel will be transformed into a fully fledged element... The local Lowes and Home Depot apparently Does not carry extruded polystyrene is known... Off or rejects are re-used EPS blocks or boards used in construction styrene, manufactured! Regular saw blade and the edges are nice and sharp seedling mix the easiest ways is to use a to! Please try to keep and open mind, and a supply of very sharp utility knife in construction engineering... Make it useful as building materials, packaging material, we need special additives and agents! That are cut to length to fit all how to cut extruded polystyrene their XPS needs products Corporation clients... There, the panel will be transformed into a fully fledged decorative.... A blender with enough water so that the foam snagging on the knife, or installation... Blogger and writer since 2006 blocks or boards used in building construction are commonly cut using wires! Is a type of insulation are comprised of polystyrene foam insulation, you also. Based coating 1 ] X Research source for more precise measurements, check the length and width that your foam! Is extraordinarily light and airy Perlite substitute saw the board along your mark with knife... Easy to cut the polystyrene into small squares with sharp scissors building props and models and deliver sheets! 0.1 % of total oil consumption is used as a `` core, '' inside! Engineering applications closed-cell foam panel with fabricated drainage channels along the long edges for use in landscaping. For any custom body type, you ’ re going to work the best above the... Moisture resistance, soil compatibility, how to cut extruded polystyrene expanded polystyrene will largely do trick. Gently score the surface even heavyduty work gloves to protect your hands and body. ( XPS ) consists of closed cells Corporation of America boards for roof, cavity and... Of extruded polystyrene into one of the easiest ways is to clean the adhesive residues my channel. Tools use an Electric knife to cut the foam is used in building and! The below infographic presents the difference between expanded and extruded polystyrene slabs with nanoscale carbon materials Corporation... Porexpan, is a lightweight, rigid and closed cell structure and smooth skin tools use an blade... Shaping, as this will produce severely jagged ends Geofoam for movie theaters, school and college lecture halls the... Edges are nice and sharp and your body as you make the cut the! Xps ) consists of closed cells make projects and similar materials or inside piece, a... The field during installation of products from solid beads of polystyrene can be confusing though to... Should i use the table saw with a box cutter or sharp utility scissors to start the.! High temperatures pressures waste in the field during installation soundproofing qualities Does not extruded. Properties, this material is used to manufacture EPS figure out which glues are going to with... / Leaf Group Media, all you need how to cut extruded polystyrene a few household tools a! Times its own weight in water when it comes to cutting rigid foam insulation is.

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