Styrofoam Cutter Safety

Cut Styrofoam forms the core of flower arrangements.

A Styrofoam cutter consists of a heated wire that cuts through Styrofoam by melting it. Foam cutters provide an easy way for florists and modelers to produce smooth, lightweight shapes. However, using a Styrofoam cutter safely involves learning the dangers of working with the tool in order to avoid them.

Ventilation

Melting Styrofoam produces toxic styrene fumes. Use a foam cutter outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Clean off the small pieces of foam sticking to the wire after use, or they will melt the next time you use the cutter, producing more fumes.

Wire Safety

Because the Nichrome wire in foam cutters reaches temperatures of around 392 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit (200 to 300 Celsius) in order to melt the foam, it can inflict painful burns. Do not touch the wire while the cutter is on, and allow it time to cool down after you switch it off.

Melting styrofoam

The small droplets of melted or partially melted foam that may fall from the cut or wire can burn the skin. Use caution when cutting foam and cleaning your wire, or wear heavy gardening gloves.

References

• Terragenesis: Hot Wire Cutter Safety