If you have a CNC machine and haven’t produced anything with foam, you are missing out! You may be thinking, “I know it’s easy to machine, but I just make wood or aluminum components. What could I possibly use foam for with my CNC machine?” Road cases, custom packaging, 3D sculptures, prototyping, stage props and the list goes on! There’s a time and money saving application for just about every individual or business. Here are some common varieties of foam that ShopBot recommends seeking out along with common usage:
High Density Urethane (HDU):
In the CNC world, this is one of the most common materials for sign makers. It’s weather resistant and paintable. Some of the biggest and brightest store-front signs are made from HDU carved on a CNC machine. Check out premiere sign maker Willow Leaf Sign Co for some stunning examples. Everyone needs a sign! If it’s not your main business, it can be a money-making CNC side business.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) or.. Styrofoam:
“CNC’able” for packaging, prototyping and models for architecture. It’s everywhere! For adventurous types, consider visiting your local department store dumpsters to score some free material. Or save inserts from any packages you receive. Recycle! Reuse! Larger, flat sheets work best with vacuum hold-down, but there are other hold-down methods that work. It’s one of the lightest materials you can use with CNC. Get creative!
EVA Foam:
Machine’s beautifully. Versatile and flexible. Commonly used for custom packaging, aerospace components, hand tool organizers, automotive applications, boat flooring and much more. Below are two prime examples –
With foam, you won’t wear out CNC bits too easily or risk breakage. Using foam for test cuts is smart due to low risk and little to no material cost. No matter what type of items you make with your CNC machine, there’s an application for foam. Create your own packaging, cases, models, and signs. These varieties and uses are just the tip of the iceberg. With a little research, you will find the right type of foam for your project or business. For even more efficiency, the tangential oscillating knife makes quick work cutting many types of foam on ShopBot CNC machines. Get in touch for recommendations. No matter what cutting head you use, saving time and money is the name of the game.
More foam cutting examples with CNC can be found at the below playlist: (click the icon at top right of the video to view the full playlist)
And believe it or not, we have another playlist of foam cutting example work on the ShopBot Instagram Stories Highlights that you should check out!
Are you using foam with your ShopBot CNC? We want to hear about it! Email marketing@shopbottools.com and we’ll get more eyes on your work.