Anyone CNC route closed cell foam?

[Nick1983]

Hey all, hopefully someone out there has a good solution. I have been having a problem removing dust from crosslink foam after CNC routing it. The lighter densities 1 and 2 pound just hit it with the air hose and its fine. But on the heavier densitys it wants to cling to the wall. It is very conductive so i think that it is the electricity attracting it. I have tried a wide array of feed rates and rpms, that seems to only affect the cut quality (unless it is way off then it smolders, nastyyyy) not my dust problem.

I was thinking about a bathing solution. I was also thinking about hooking up an air nozzle behind the bit to blow air on the part into the dust collector hose as it is being cut, maybe control it with an m-code. just some ideas. If any one has any ideas or the same problem for that matter let me know.

[diecutter]

Pledge makes an anti static spray aerosol which is safe for plastics and electronics which you might try. When I Goggled "antistatic spray there were loads of interesting products.Worth a try.

[Nick1983]

Hey, I didn't even think of a spray. Good thought. I am guessing I will have to apply the spray to the bit directly. I'll let you know how it works

[diecutter]

I'm not real familiar using these sprays, but I think what you can do is spray the general area after machining and the clingy dust just drops off the part like regular sawdust. I have seen this happen when those packing peanuts are hit with the spray; before they leap a couple inches to your hand, but after spraying they just drop away. Worth a try.

I had another thought. The humidity around the machine, especially in winter, greatly affects static charge buildup. Maybe raising the humidity slightly may tend to bleed off some of the charge built up by machining.

[Nick1983]

Its pretty difficult to adjust the humidity at the shop. We got 3 waterjets that pretty much do what they do. It is about as humid as you can get it here.

I ordered some spray online just a minute ago. will keep you posted.