Polystyrene moulding offers woodworkers a complement to traditional materials that can help streamline production workflows and improve profit margins.
This guide will help you master polystyrene cutting techniques with the professional-grade tools you already own.
What is polystyrene?
What are the benefits of using polystyrene moulding?
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Cost Management: It costs less than wood and is lighter than wood, which reduces shipping costs and helps with your profit margins.
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Weather and Environmental Stability: It will not warp from changes in temperature or humidity. It is also waterproof and cannot be damaged by insects. This makes it ideal for projects that will be displayed in varying environments.
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Production Efficiency: Cuts and joins significantly faster and easier than wood moulding, reducing assembly time and saving money.
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Easy Ordering: All sticks are a uniform 9.5 ft. long, making ordering hassle-free.
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High-Quality: Give your customers an inexpensive, high-quality alternative to wood.
What type of saw do I need to cut polystyrene moulding?
Polystyrene moulding can be cut with a regular wood saw. We recommend saw blades with less than 120 teeth, ideally 36 teeth.
Polystyrene trim cuts easily with no resistance so we recommend cutting through it quickly. By using the appropriate blade and cutting technique, you will not have to worry about the plastic melting.
What is the ideal cutting speed for polystyrene trim?
Maintain RPMs between 2,400-3,000 for optimal results. Lower speeds generate excessive heat that can melt the material, while higher speeds cause vibration, resulting in uneven cuts that require time-consuming corrections.
Can polystyrene moulding be cut using a chopper?
Absolutely! Your existing chopper can be used effectively with polystyrene moulding, making it easy to integrate into your current workflow.
What type of glue should I be using for polystyrene?
You should be using some type of plastic glue. We recommend our poly glue (ask for more information about glue). For a less expensive alternative, PVC glue from any hardware store would work well, although it will take longer to dry (approx. 1 hour).
Can I join the polystyrene frame using an underpinner?
Yes, you can join polystyrene frames with an underpinner just like you would wood moulding. Just be cautious not to place the pins too close to the edge of the frame corners to prevent splitting.
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Ready to Expand Your Business with Polystyrene?
Adding polystyrene to your workshop capabilities allows you to:
- Offer clients cost-effective alternatives for appropriate projects without compromising your craftsmanship standards.
- Reduce production time on projects, allowing you to take on more work with your existing team.
- Expand into new markets such as display framing, promotional pieces, and commercial applications.
Learn more about our selection of polystyrene mouldings, then call 815-459-2412 or email for a personalized consultation on incorporating polystyrene into your projects.
