Hot Pin Foam Cutter

[damae]

Something common to hotwire cutters:
1. It is complicated to cut an inner hole without leaving an enter/exit path.
2. CAM software rarely understands that there is no "safe Z" for rapids.

How about solving that problem by using a 1mm diameter "hot pin" that is supported only from one side? With a solenoid to retract the pin to a "safe z", you could allow the cam software to use rapids carelessly and cut interior shapes.

What I propose might only be applicable to the type of 2-axis foam cutter I built.

What do you guys think? Is it feasible? How small of a diameter pin could I get away with? 1mm? 0.5mm if moving really slowly?

[voltsandbolts]

Interesting idea, Id like to see how it comes out, and what size pin you need for reasonable results.

Good luck.

Rob.

[vlmarshall]

I wonder if heating it evenly will be a problem. It seems like the far end would be a lot cooler, resulting in tapered cuts or limited usable depth.
Good luck, I'm looking forward to your tests!

[damae]

Good point about the challenge of heating evenly.

Perhaps I can use a copper pin instead of steel for better heat conduction.

Maybe the best thing to do is simply test it. I am having fun with the hotwire cutter for now, but eventually I'll give it a go.