ShapeWire Tool
ShapeWire Tool is a FoamShaper-controlled, fully-computerized, versatile optional device available for all our foam cutters. When used along with the TurnTable or the Lathe, the ShapeWire Tool enables the operator to cut all kinds or grooved, chiseled, hollow and symmetrical shapes. It uses special 1 mm thick bendable resistant wire which is pre-shaped by the operator and then mounted on a special bar, either horizontally or vertically. The fact that the material is simultaneously being rotated by the Lathe or the TurnTable means there is an almost unlimited number of shapes you can achieve.
Available cutting modes:
(both can be done with either the Lathe or the TurnTable)
In both cases, the operator starts by pre-bending a piece of 1 mm thick ShapeWire and mounting it on the ShapeWire Bar (which is plugged into the electronic controller and is fully controlled by FoamShaper).
1. Enter-Rotate-Exit
This process offers unlimited possibilities and consists of six basic steps illustrated below:
1. A piece of ShapeWire pre-bent to a required shape
2. A drawing (revolution axis + entry-exit line)
3. A piece of foam
4. FoamShape configuration
5. Cutting process
6. Final product
The material is mounted on the TurnTable (can be placed horizontally on the Lathe as well) and the ShapeWire Cutting Mode is selected in FoamShaper. Once you click “Start”, the pre-bent ShapeWire enters the material, the material makes a 360-degree rotation, the ShapeWire exits the material and in approximately 30 seconds you are done.
2. Along the Path
A similar process in which a pre-bent wire is used to cut grooves or flutes in a piece of foam. Spiral or thread cuts are done in the very same way. All the operator has to do is to prepare a single drawing consisting of a revolution axis and the ShapeWire travel path (often a single line) and to enter the required rotation (if any).
Photos & Diagrams (click to enlarge):
The following photos ilustrate how the ShapeWire Tool may be used together with either the Lathe or TurnTable. |
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