One of the key aspects of insulating buildings is cutting the expanded polystyrene correctly. It is essential that the cut boards fit precisely against one another. Mechanical cutting, for example with a saw or a knife, causes large quantities of polystyrene beads to crumble away, leaving a very ragged cut edge. Once boards prepared in this way have been bonded to the wall being insulated, they require additional sealing with polyurethane foam applied from a gun, which extends installation time and increases costs.
A further drawback of this technique is the creation of very large amounts of polystyrene debris (beads), which litter the building site and, because of their negligible weight, are carried by the wind across neighbouring properties, which usually meets with unpleasant and entirely justified reactions from the neighbours.
To avoid this kind of inconvenience, a different technique for cutting expanded polystyrene can be used: CUTTING WITH A HOT RESISTANCE WIRE.
There are many techniques for this type of cutting – from a simple wooden frame with a tensioned length of resistance wire, through to highly advanced machines that cut in every plane, including curves and bevels.
Most polystyrene cutting machines are supplied from transformers rated at 100-250W with an output voltage of around 24V. However, we are seldom given the ability to regulate the temperature of the cutting wire. The need for such adjustment stems from the wide range of temperatures encountered during the work. We have to deal with temperatures ranging from 2-3 degrees in March or October up to around 35 degrees in July or August. Added to this is the cooling effect of the wind. A wire that is too cool slows the cutting down and causes the cut elements to stick together. On the other hand, an excessively high cutting wire temperature causes the polystyrene to melt, resulting in a loss of precision of the cut elements and a departure from the planned dimensions.
The solution offered by BREVE, namely the PCS 250/9A transformer for cutting expanded polystyrene, has been designed to give the user the ability to regulate the temperature of the cutting wire while at the same time ensuring complete safety. A wide adjustment range from 20V to 28V makes it possible to eliminate the adverse effect of ambient temperature changes on the working temperature of the cutting wire. Adjustment is carried out by means of a 5-position switch with a 2V step.
Key features of the PCS 250/9A:
- The cutting wire is supplied with a voltage that is safe for the user.
- Separation from the 230V mains voltage is ensured.
- Convenient and precise regulation of the cutting wire temperature.
- Protection of the transformer against damage caused by a short circuit or overload.
- Easy-to-operate automatic circuit breaker.
- No need to replace blown fuse links with new ones.
- Ergonomic, compact design.
- Convenient and hard-wearing carrying handle.
- Durable, professional supply cable.
- High degree of protection (IP44) making the transformer splash-proof.
- Cutting wire supply indicated by an illuminated switch.
- Convenient socket allowing the cutting wire to be connected quickly.
- Plug included in the set.
Technical specification:
Supply voltage: 230V
Adjustable output voltage: 20V – 22V – 24V – 26V – 28V
Frequency: 50 Hz
Power: 250W – max 9A
