Hot Wire Cutting & Sculpting

Materials: 

Material sheet sizes – 400mm x 200mm – this is the recommended maximum size as it allows for you to move your material around on the machine surface 

Maximum material thickness – 190mm – this will change given you angle if you choose to utilise this part of the hot wire cutter 

Materials suitable for hot wire cutting & sculpting:  

  • Polystyrene foam  
  • Polyethylene foam  

Hot Wire Fixed Cutting & Sculpting: 

Put the top switch to the right (for cutting) and the bottom switch to the right (showing fixed cutting) 

Place the material on the machine surface near the heating wire 

Ensure you have the correct PPE on for using the machine  

Place the material on the machine surface  

Press down on the foot pedal to heat the cutting wire for use – keeping your foot down to prevent any material sticking to the hot wire 

The extraction system and wearing a suitable filtered mask will prevent dangerous fume inhalation 

For longer cuts, it can be useful to break down the cut into sections as this can prevent the wire getting stuck 

NOTE: The angle of the cut can be changed by removing the bottom locking screw and moving it to one of 4 pre-set positions. Put the locking screw back in to secure it in place for cutting.  

{pic – angles in relation to holes} 


Hot Wire Freehand Sculpting:  

Put the top switch to the right (for cutting) and bottom switch to left (for freehand sculpting)  

Place the material on the machines surface 

Ensure you have a hat proof mat to the side allowing you to rest the freehand sculpting tool 

The sculpting tool is stored to the left-hand side of the machine  

Remove the sculpting tool from its holder while it is cold 

Use the foot pedal to heat the sculpting tool wire 

For longer cuts, it can be useful to break down the cut into sections as this can prevent the wire getting stuck 

Once finished, let the freehand sculpting tool cool fully before placing it back into the holder on the left-hand side of the machine