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Making
Testing
Tip
View All Tips Cutting Foam: The best way to cut polystyrene is with a hot-wire cutter. The heated Nichrome wire cuts through foam like a hot knife through butter! More Tips
Tip

Making the Prototype

  1. Cut out the top and side (profile) views from a copy of your working drawing. Then, carefully outline the views onto the polystyrene blank.
    Free Hand Foam Cutter
  2. Use a hot wire foam cutter to roughly shape the blank:
    1. Turn the blank on its side and cut out the profile view first.
    2. Fit the waste pieces and working piece together and secure them by wrapping two bands of masking tape around the assembly.
    3. Set the blank assembly upright and cut out the top view. Note: The hot wire will not cut through the masking tape, so you’ll have to work around the tape. When ready, remove the tape and carefully cut those areas last.
    4. If you haven’t already done so, remove the masking tape and discard all the waste pieces.
    Expanded Styrofoam Prototype
  3. Smooth the corners of your prototype with a sharp knife, the hot wire cutter, or sandpaper. Note: You may have limited success with sandpaper on polystyrene.
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