Frequently Asked Questions
Many types of rigid and soft foams can be cut with our hot wire cutters, however due to the chemicals in many of these foams that off-gas when cutting, we only recommend cutting the following types of foams:
- Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
- Expanded Polystyrene Foam
- Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) also know as “blue” and “pink” board.
- Extruded Polystyrene Foam
Most areas of the world use polystyrene for food service products, packaging, construction and marine uses. This means a foam block molder is usually not far from your location no matter where in the world you are located. In an effort to keep this list current please contact us if you know of any bad links posted here, or if there is a company that should be on this list.
AUSTRALIA
Andpak
Austral
ECO ICF Builders and Supplies Pty Ltd
FOAMEX
Hi-Tek Foamworks
National Polystyrene Systems
Polyfoam
RMAX
BELGIUM
CANADA
AR EPS Foam
Eco-Block
Beaver Plastics
Isolofoam
Mansonville Plastics
Truefoam
Newfoundland Styro
Plasti-Fab Ltd.
CAYMAN ISLANDS
COLOMBIA
Industria de Poliestireno Expandible de Colombia
CZECH REPUBLIC
DENMARK
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
POLYCONSTRUCCIONES: 809.696.9317; SANTIAGO
ECUADOR
Aislapol: 593.9.469.3253
Plastex: 593.2.267.7019, Catarama Y Maldonado; 593.2.267.4997, Quito Pichincha
Poliexpandidos Cia LTDA
FINLAND
GERMANY
INDIA
IRELAND
JAMAICA
MEXICO
ACH Foam
Createc Corporation
Fanosa
Frigolit
QualyPanel
NEW ZEALAND
POLAND
PUERTO RICO
Flexible Packaging Group
Foam Pack, Inc.
RUSSIA
SAUDI ARABIA
SLOVAKIA
SOUTH AFRICA
Automa Multistyrene
Cumulus Insulation
Isolite
Isowall
Hebcooler
Polystyrene Center CC
Sagex
Technopol (SA)
Twokay Trading
SPAIN
SWAZILAND
UNITED KINGDOM
StyroChem
Styro-tech
Custom Pac
Chaseway Packaging
Molygran and Co.
European Manufacturers of EPS
AUSTRIA
Guteschutzgemeinschaft Polystyrol-Hartschan G.P.H
BELGIUM
CZECH REPUBLIC
DENMARK
FINLAND
FIPIF Finnish Plastic Industries Federation
FRANCE
Syndicat National des Plastiques Alveolaires: 33.0.145.20.4268 15
GERMANY
Industrieverband Hartschaum e.V
GREECE
ITALY
AIPE Associazione Italiana Polistirolo Espans
LITHUANIA
NETHERLANDS
NORWAY
Ms. Anne Kjerstin Frydendal Plastindustriforbundet: 47.23.08.7800
POLAND
Stowarzyszenie Producentow Styropianu
PORTUGAL
ACEPE Associacao Industrial do Poliestireno Expandido
SLOVAKIA
Zdruzenie EPS.SR Novozamocka: 179 94901
SPAIN
ANAPE Associacion Nacional de Poliestireno Expandido
SWEDEN
Plast och Kemibranschema Byggplastavdelningen
SWITZERLAND
EPS Verbank Schweiz Bahnhofstrabelel: 41.0.41.850.1591
TURKEY
Polistiren Ãreticileri Dernegi (PÃD)
UNITED KINGDOM
The British Plastics Federation
International EPS Organizations
Most areas of the world use polystyrene for food service products, packaging, construction and marine uses. This means a foam block molder is usually not far from your location no matter where in the world you are located. Here is a comprehensive list of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam block molders throughout the United States. Most likely you will find several block molders serving your area to choose from. We usually recommend purchasing dry “virgin” foam in smaller size beads (A,B,C A is largest – C smallest) weighing between 1 and 2 lbs./cubic foot nominal, .9-1.8lbs. actual. This list of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam block molders / manufacturers is for reference only, and to the best of our knowledge is accurate and up to date.
ALABAMA
ALASKA
ARIZONA
ARKANSAS
CALIFORNIA
Astrofoam Molding
Atlas EPS
Insulfoam
COLORADO
CONNECTICUT
FLORIDA
Carpenter Foam
Cellofoam
Imperial Foam
Insulfoam
Royal Foam
GEORGIA
Cellofoam
PermaTherm
Georgia Foam
ACH
IDAHO
Foam Molders Inc.
Northwest Foam
Foam Molders Inc.
ILLINOIS
INDIANA
IOWA
KANSAS
KENTUCKY
MASSACHUSETTS
MICHIGAN
Arvron
Atlas EPS
Harbor Foam
Michigan Foam Products
MINNESOTA
DiversiFoam
Plymouth Foam
Poly-Foam
Styrotech
MISSISSIPPI
MISSOURI
MONTANA
NEBRASKA
NEVADA
NEW MEXICO
NEW YORK
Shelter Enterprises
Thermal Foams
Cellofoam
NORTH CAROLINA
OHIO
OKLAHOMA
OREGON
PENNSYLVANIA
Carpenter Company
Insulation Corp of America
Insulfoam
OPCO
Thermal Foams
PUERTO RICO
Flexible Packaging Group
Foam Pack
RHODE ISLAND
SOUTH DAKOTA
Benchmark Foam
North Central Foam
TENNESSEE
TEXAS
Alamo Foam
Eco-Block
Houston Foam
Power Foam
StarRfoam
Therma Foam
UTAH
VIRGINIA
Cellofoam
Atlas EPS
Mid-Atlantic Foam
Tri-State Foam
WASHINGTON
WISCONSIN
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam is the most common foam cut for architectural shapes, structural insulated panel systems (SIPS), insulated concrete forms (ICF), precast concrete molds and models, theming, and sign making. EPS is technically a plastic. The word ‘plastic’ comes from Greek plastikos, which means capable of being molded. The freedom to be creative with custom designs is a major reason why we find EPS so valuable today. It is also interesting to know that EPS foam is the same material (polystyrene) used to make hard shell CD cases and other household products. To find polystyrene in everyday products, look for recycling number ‘6’.
EPS Characteristics
- Light Weight: Typically 1 lb. – 2 lbs. / cubic foot
- Highly Insulative: Because there is no thermal drift, 1 inch provides lifetime R-3.6 to R-4.2 values (depending on density)
- Environmentally Friendly: EPS has always been CFC- and HCFC-Free
- Manufactured Locally: Hundreds of plants throughout the world
Chemical Properties
Expanded polystyrene is resistant to water and all aqueous solutions of salts, alkalis, and acids. Essential oils such as those present in both the peel of citrus fruits and whole-fruit drinks attack expanded polystyrene, but it is resistant to both vegetable and animal fats. It is also resistant to mineral waxes of the kind used to guard against corrosion, provided they contain no solvent.
Since most organic solvents attack expanded polystyrene, particular care must be taken in the choice of adhesives, paints, coatings, and mold release agents. Plastics containing plasticizers (e. g. flexible PVC) should not be kept in contact with expanded polystyrene because of the risk of plasticizer migration.
Biological Effects
Small amounts of pentane vapors escape from polystyrene while it is stored and being processed. Ventilation should be provided, particularly when expanded polystyrene is cut with hot wires, since pentane and small amounts of styrene can be released. The threshold values, workplace limits, etc. for both pentane and styrene must be observed.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has established Recommended Exposure Limits (REL’s) for average airborne concentration of pentane at 120 ppm, with a ceiling limit of 610 ppm (15 minute). Typically EPS forming and cutting facilities operate at levels well under these limits. (PDF document with findings from a NIOSH inspection of a foam expanding and cutting facility.)
Expanded polystyrene has no nutritive value for animals. It does not rot, is not soluble in water, and it does not give off water-soluble substances which could lead to groundwater contamination. If local regulations allow, waste expanded polystyrene can be safely disposed of with household garbage by landfill. Expanded polystyrene has been manufactured and processed for over fifty years and during that time no harmful effects on health have been recorded
Fire Characteristics
Like all organic materials, expanded polystyrene is combustible, and like most packaging materials it is also flammable. Its burning behavior depends largely on the polystyrene grade in question. A distinction has to be made between products without fireproofing additives and products containing additives. Expanded polystyrene that contains flame retardant makes it more difficult to ignite and slows the spread of flame noticeably.
Sources: EPS Recycling International http://www.epsrecycling.org,
Chemical, Biological and Fire Data Courtesy of BASF Corporation, and
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html
Styrene is composed of Benzene (liquid) and Ethylene (gas), both of which are petroleum products. EPS begins as a styrene monomer which goes through a process where the styrene monomers link into larger molecules called polystyrene.
Expanded polystyrene or EPS foam is made from polystyrene pellets or beads that are puffed up with steam. The process is similar to cooking rice with steam. Usually a small amount (approx 4%-6%) pentane or another “blowing agent” is added to the hard polystyrene pellets to enable the expansion process. When these independent foam beads are in a mold they take the shape of the mold and hold that shape when they dry and cool down.
The polystyrene beads grow to more than 40 times their original size and when the process is complete the usable EPS is about 98% air* which gives it features that are desired. Expanded polystyrene is a rigid, insulating, light weight, and biologically friendly foam.
Source: European Manufacturers of Expanded Polystyrene: www.eumeps.construction
Coating foam can be done with a variety of coating products depending on your application.
Typically foam architectural elements are coated with an exterior insulation and finish system (E.I.F.S.) synthetic stucco coating. These coatings consist of a base coat adhesive which includes embedded mesh. The base coat and mesh give the foam structural integrity, on which a colored, textured finish coat is applied.
Foam is also coated with epoxy, polyurea, or polyurethane coatings for a smooth hard plastic finish. These coatings also give the foam structural integrity and upon which paint or other finish is applied for theming, sign making, and architectural elements. Epoxy, polyurea, and polyurethane finishes are also used for precast concrete applications to make a smoother and longer-lasting surface for casting concrete and glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC).
For most applications the foam cut on your Hotwire Direct machines will need to be coated in some manner. There are many expanded polystyrene EPS foam coatings available, each with it’s own advantages. Coatings can add structural strength, a solid look and feel to the foam and ultimately beautify the product.
This is a courtesy list of coating suppliers many of our customers use, and is meant to be informative only and in no way implies endorsement by Hotwire Direct. Please contact these companies with your questions to find the best coating solution for your particular application.
Epoxy Coatings
Fister
Product: Armorgard™
www.fisterinc.com
Polyurea, Polyurethane
Futura Coatings
Product: Styrothane
www.futuracoatings.com
Industrial Polymers
Product: Polyurethane (Styrospray 1000)
www.industrialpolymers.com
Phone: 800.766.3832
Finishes and Paints
LuminOre
Product: Metal Spray Applied Finishes
www.luminore.com
Phone: 760.431.7705
Modern Masters
Product: Array of Metallic and other Theming Paints
www.modernmastersinc.com
Phone: 800.942.3166
Stone and Cementitious Coatings
ArcusStone
Product: ArcusStone
www.arcusstone.com
Phone: 415.339.4060
Marbelite
Product: Styrocrete
www.marbelite.com
Phone: 800.348.3993
Tuscan Stoneworx
Product: Various
www.tuscanstoneworx.com/
Phone: 888.368.9494
Release Agents (for precast concrete applications)
Cresset
Product: Crete-Lease
www.cresset.com
Synthetic Stucco
ADEX
Product: Various
www.adex.com
Phone: 866.900.2339
Dryvit
Product: Various
www.dryvit.com
Phone: 800.556.7752
Master Wall
Product: Various
www.masterwall.com
Phone: 800.755.0825
Omega Products
Product: Various
www.omega-products.com
Phone: 800.600.6634
Parex
Product: Various
www.parex.com
Phone: 800.537.2739
Senergy
Product: Various
www.senergy.master-builders-solutions.com/en
Phone: 800.221.9255
Sto
Product: Various
www.stocorp.com
Phone: 800.221.2397
Because EPS foam is expanded, it consists of about 90% air. This is beneficial for most purposes that it is used for, however, this also means it will use high volume for shipping. You can use a foam compactor for compressing the air out of the waste which helps with transportation issues.
Keeping EPS foam out of the landfills is a primary objective of the EPS Molders Association, of which Hotwire Direct is a member. For recycling, many creative options exist.
Because EPS can be recycled, and by conserving and re-using resources we are doing our part to ensure a brighter future for our children. When using EPS it is important to consider the life cycle possibilities of the material itself. The end of (or waste from) an EPS product in one form can become a new product in another form. By actively recycling EPS we can create a good name for the industry, as well as promote creative problem solving, economic activity, and more.
How To Recycle
Return to Block Molder
Many of our customers keep their waste EPS foam out of the landfill by returning it to their foam block supplier when taking delivery of new blocks in a swap. Some EPS foam block molders use the clean waste scrap for making a regrind foam product.
EPS Packaging Association
This organization is dedicated to promoting the use of EPS including recycling and will help you to find recyclers in your area.
http://www.epspackaging.org/
Yes, most products that we ship via FedEx can be purchased directly online with a credit card. Please contact us if you have any questions on products before purchasing.
Yes financing is available in the USA. We have partnered with outside companies who specialize in equipment financing. Get into brand new equipment on a budget. Hotwire Direct works with Suncoast Equipment Finance (USA only).
Suncoast Equipment
Existing Businesses:
$25K – $250K
1 page application
Terms – out to 84 months
Approvals in 1-3 hours
Progress payment terms to Hotwire Direct OK
“0” down and deferred payments OK
Capital Lease structure ($1.00 buyout), Operating lease structure (FMV)
Typically they look for 3 years “time in business”, clean D&B with good paydex, comparable business debt with favorable pay history. Clean personal credit where applicable.
New Businesses:
Other financing for “New Business” and “lesser credits” available at different pricing, please call for a quote.
For more information please contact Suncoast Equipment Finance contact Gearry Russell:
(877) 724-5949
Fax 813-443-8259
[email protected]
