Cutting Foamex or Foam PVC with a DYSS Digital Cutter: Knife vs. Router
Foamex (foam PVC) is a popular material choice for signs and displays due to its lightweight and durable nature. Achieving precise cuts is essential to creating a professional finish, and with a DYSS Digital Cutter, you have two cutting options: a knife or a router. Which method is best depends on material thickness and the design.
Cutting Foamex with a Knife
Using a knife tool on a DYSS Digital Cutter offers exceptional precision for thinner sheets of Foamex, typically up to 5mm thick. This method is ideal for detailed work, such as intricate signage or lettering, where clean, sharp edges are essential. AG/CAD also offer specialised blade options for the DYSS tangential knife tool (TKT) to completely remove any chance of a burr on the presentation edges of the cut pieces.
- Advantages:
- Clean Cuts: Perfect for rectangular or circular type sign designs.
- Quiet and Quick: Knives work quietly and are faster than routers for thin materials.
- Minimal Debris: No swarf is produced, reducing the need to clean up the cut jobs.
Cutting Foamex with a Router
For thicker Foamex sheets (up to 10mm or more) or when working with complex shapes, a router tool on the DYSS Digital Cutter comes into play. Routers are better equipped to handle thicker foamex and can follow a more complex path. Furthermore, the router depth control enables designs to be engraved on the surface of the foam PVC.
- Advantages:
- Great for Thick Materials: Ensures precise cuts on thicker Foamex.
- Versatility: Handles complex shapes and various cutting depths.
- Smooth Edges: The router can leave a slightly smoother finish on thicker materials.
Which Tool to Choose?
- Knife: Best for thin Foamex and high-speed production.
- Router: Ideal for thicker Foamex when a smooth edge and depth control are needed.
Whether you use your knife or the router, the DYSS Digital Cutter offers precision and efficiency, ensuring your Foamex cuts are clean, professional, and tailored to your specific project requirements.
If you need further information about using a DYSS in your business, please get in touch.
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