CARVING FOAM MACHINING
Foam is one of the best materials for carving or sculpting, as it offers the ideal combination of low weight, softness and density. Sculpting foam’s inherent flexibility makes it easy to create just about any shape, and it is frequently used to create prototypes for molds. Foam can also be cut or glued, or coated with other materials as needed.
Carving foam is made from several types of materials, including polyisocyanurate. Also known as ISO, polyisocyanurate is a thermoset plastic material — it is originally manufactured in a viscous state and is rendered more rigid via curing. ISO offers a number of important benefits when used as carving Styrofoam. It is able to hold small details, which makes it well-suited for creating intricate shapes.
ISO can withstand extreme temperatures — it will not heat up, melt or freeze.
Although ISO carving foam is surprisingly strong, it must be handled with extreme caution to prevent damaging the material. The foam can tear easily, and the worker must be careful to avoid scarring the carved foam prior to carving.
American Micro Industries Offers a Wide Variety of Foam Blocks for Carving
American Micro Industries, Inc. stocks blocks of carving Styrofoam in a range of densities: 2#, 3#, 4# and 6#. This foam can be machined and carved with wood working tools.
- 2# and 3# density can be hand carved with ease.
- 4# can be hand carved with some difficulty but is easily machined.
- 6# must be machined and cut with power wood working tools.
