Need Help!- New CNC router for cutting foam sheets

[RCFoam]

Hello all. I'm new to this as we've recently purchased a 4'x8' ezROUTER CNC machine. We're using BobCAD-CAM software with mach3. The typical foam we'll be cutting will be Depron, EPP, Cellfoam88 and Gediplac in 3mm, 6mm and 9mm thicknesses using 1/16" and 1/8" diameter bits. Does anyone have any recommendations for cutting and spindle speeds for this use? We're cutting profiles for radio control airplanes. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated!

[lovebugjunkie]

Sorry can't help you on the cutting speed.

Did you buy the EZ just for cutting foam?

I am in the process of getting parts together to build a cnc hot wire foam cutter for RC profiles and wings. Since I have never done this, I'm wondering if there is something I am overlooking in going with the cnc foam cutter.

[RCFoam]

Cutting foam will be the primary use for it. Most of our patterns will be 2-D. We hope to use it for cutting other stock also.

[ger21]

Never cut foam, but as a guess, I'd start around 15K rpm and maybe 300ipm, and increase feedrate from there.

[Tsooko]

Hi.
I too can't give you specific speeds and feeds but because foam melts with heat and rotary bits create heat I would set up some test cuts. A short line and a circle might work, start slow and build up your speed and feed rates in steps until the plastic starts to melt then back off. There is a machine called the Phlat Printer that uses a rotary cnc to cut out foam profiles. They have a web site with some good video on it. You could go there to watch and perhaps get some ideas. (google them)
I too want to cut out foamies and will try when my router is up and running this fall. Good luck

Ted

[sharbold]

I have cut out several foamies using both 6mm Depron and Blue FanFold foam. Here is what worked best for me.

Bit: 1/16" single flute carbide
Router RPM's: 12,000
Machine speed: 150 Inches per Minute

Sam

[NZCNC]

Hi there hows the bobcad going and the mach 3 for the foam cutting as im building a large 5 axis machine with the same intention and driving the same software

Tim