If it’s only handled a little, expanded polystyrene will largely do the trick. Madhu is a graduate in Biological Sciences with BSc (Honours) Degree and currently persuing a Masters Degree in Industrial and Environmental Chemistry. ClimaFoam ® Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) is a high performance, water resistant and lightweight board of thermal insulation recommended for use under concrete slabs, green roofs, ... ® XPS Board is ideal for applications in the construction industry as it is equipped for 'site survival' and can be cut to shapes that make it extremely fit for use. The beads are melted, and a blowing agent is added. TECHNONICOL extruded polystyrene has an excellent energy-saving performance due to improved physical and mechanical properties. Laser processing of polystyrene can be performed with a 10.6 or 9.3 micron CO 2 laser. TechnoNICOL company specialists developed a unique technology for producing extruded polystyrene slabs with nanoscale carbon materials. This heating process forms closed cells of EPS. In addition to extruded polystyrenes other uses is lightweight fill for embankments in the civil engineering industry. in a circular saw. To prevent jagged edges or uneven cuts, do not attempt to cut the foam board with the utility knife with one stroke, and do not use the knife as a saw to puncture through the board. The outstanding shock absorbency of expanded polystyrene packaging guarantees the protection of products. Those who want to create specific shapes will have more reasons to hesitate between expanded and extruded polystyrene. It has a uniform closed-cell structure and smooth skin. Available here   When considering the production processes, the expanded polystyrene has a minimum harmful effect on the environment than the extruded polystyrene. Polystyrene foam works to provide insulation, protection and waterproofing within building walls, roofing systems and pools. What is Expanded Polystyrene What is Extruded Polystyrene The properties of extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam board stock are outlined in ASTM International C 578, Standard Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation. For example, it is not resistant to organic solvents, it is flammable if oil painted, health concerns when using as a packaging material for food items, etc. In order to heat the material, we use steam. Remember! While XPS is "extruded" into a close approximation of its final form, EPS is manufactured in large blocks that are subsequently cut by hot-wire machines into sheets or cut into virtually any special shape or form by computer-driven systems. Side by Side Comparison – Expanded vs Extruded Polystyrene in Tabular Form EPS for flutes in metal roof and bridge decking. With a mind rooted firmly to basic principals of chemistry and passion for ever evolving field of industrial chemistry, she is keenly interested to be a true companion for those who seek knowledge in the subject of chemistry. Use an abrasive blade such as used to cut stone etc. To prevent injury, always move the blade away from your hands and your body as you make the cut. EPS is also easily worked in the field during installation. For specific applications, extruded polystyrene panels are available scored so they can be snapped at 16” intervals instead of cut. There, the mixture combines perfectly and melts under controlled conditions such as high temperatures pressures. The production process of extruded polystyrene results in a unique foam product. The log is cut to length to fit onto a pellet. 1. It offers a high level of moisture resistance, and is not susceptible to temperature or humidity changes. When it emerges through the die, it expands forming a foam. The compacted materials are extruded into a solid ‘log’. Polystyrene, also known as PS or styrene, is a thermoplastic and is part of the vinyl polymer family. As a result, extruded polystyrene has been used successfully for years to insulate areas of high moisture such as low-temperature warehouses and refrigerated vehicles. Difference Between Addition and Radical Polymerization, Difference Between Organic and Inorganic Polymers, Side by Side Comparison – Expanded vs Extruded Polystyrene in Tabular Form, Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms, Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza, Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19, Difference Between Leather and Leatherette, Difference Between Oxirane Glycidyl and Epoxy Groups, Difference Between Filgrastim and Lenograstim, Difference Between Parallel and Antiparallel Beta Pleated Sheets, Difference Between Sodium Citrate and Citric Acid, Difference Between Hypersil and Inertsil Column. Then we pass this fluid through a die. The short-term for expanded polystyrene is EPS, and for extruded polystyrene, it is XPS. ... Extruded polystyrene closed-cell foam panel with fabricated drainage channels and a non-woven fi ltration fabric overlapping the board on three sides. thanks, kevin The local Lowes and Home Depot apparently does not carry extruded polystyrene insulation sheets that are cut to fit between wall framing. Overview and Key Difference Terms of Use and Privacy Policy: Legal. It is known to fight against heat loss and provide thermal insulation. This product shares many properties and characteristics of expanded polystyrene. The foam is used as a "core," or inside piece, for a fiberglass or other plastic coating. This is the key difference between expanded and extruded polystyrene. 1. And just about all of it is XPS foam. Extruded polystyrene is another form of foam made from polystyrene. Expanded polystyrene foam (EPF) is a plastic material that has special properties due to its structure. Model building using polystyrene foam affords the user with an inexpensive lightweight alternative to the use of wood as a modeling material, all while still allowing the use of woodworking tools to shape the foam. 3 Based on 1” (25 mm) thickness. Extruded polystyrene is another form of … Visit the Styroboard website for more details Browse the other products in the Foamex range: StyReflex , Diamond Pods , Expol , Styroboard , PurlinK , EPS Blocks , EPS Cut Shapes , XPS Extruded Polystyrene . The boards are specially long to help cover more areas and therefore reduce installation time and cost. “How Does EPS Play a Role in Your Daily Life?” ThoughtCo, ThoughtCo. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Copyright © 2010-2018 Difference Between. To cut polystyrene foam insulation, all you need are a few household tools and a supply of very sharp utility knife blades. Stroke the utility knife repeatedly into the scored surface of your cut, applying more pressure for every stroke. Smart tip: The last operation before finishing the polystyrene insulation layer is to clean the adhesive residues. Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) and STYROFOAM™ Brand Foam Products. The below infographic presents the difference between expanded and extruded polystyrene in tabular form. Remove Strawberry Stains From a Cutting Board, Owens-Corning: Owens-Corning Pink Extruded Polystyrene Foam Insulation, Dow Industries: Renovate with styrofoam Brand Extruded Polystyrene Foam Insulation. Tools for cutting, shaping, and forming. Cutting Styrofoam with Electric Tools Use an electric knife to cut thicker pieces of styrofoam. Available in a wide range of thicknesses. ! Organic shapes for high-volume exterior and interior applications. EPS Geofoam for movie theaters, school and college lecture halls. For any custom body type, you’re going to have to cut some foam. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Laser cutting of polystyrene can be performed with a 9.3 or 10.6 micron CO 2 laser, resulting a clean, smooth, slightly melted cut edge, free of discoloration. It offers a number of valuable advantages: low thermal conductivity, high strength, biological resistance, ecological compatibility and durability of use for more than 40 years. Only 0.1% of total oil consumption is used to manufacture EPS. After the expansion, these beads increase their volume by 40 times than the original volume of the bead. Tools & Adhesives. This way, you can vacuum the fine foam created by the fine teeth more easily. Laser cutting of polystyrene can be performed with a 9.3 or 10.6 micron CO 2 laser, resulting a clean, smooth, slightly melted cut edge, free of discoloration. Extruded polystyrene slabs are produced by mixing polystyrene beads at an elevated temperature and pressure with the addition of blowing agent and subsequently extruding from the extruder. Grade Beam Forms. The panels can be easily cut and adhered or mechanically attached to many different substrates. Extruded polystyrene also provides a high level of … Measure and mark the dimensions for your cut using the measuring tape and marker. Do not use a saw to cut polystyrene foam insulation, as this will produce severely jagged ends. A lot less mess than a regular saw blade and the edges are nice and sharp. If you're cutting the rigid foam for a specific project, measure the length and width you will need it to be. Styrofoam™ Brand Scoreboard Extruded Polystyrene Foam Insulation* is an extruded polystyrene foam insulation board that is scored longitudinally on 16” and 24” centers, making it easy to size to commonly used widths, cut and install. The molten polystyrene is then extruded into the proper shape under conditions of high temperature and pressure. This wall covering must have a minimum fire rating to protect the insulation from quick combustion during a fire. It offers improved surface roughness, higher stiffness and reduced thermal conductivity. The key difference between expanded and extruded polystyrene is that we produce expanded polystyrene (or EPS) from solid beads of polystyrene while we produce extruded polystyrene (or XPS) from solid polystyrene crystals. EPS is made of 98% trapped air and only 2% plastic, making it an efficient insulator with a small amount of raw material. Summary. And it is called XPS, or Extruded Polystyrene foam. Production [ edit ] Polystyrene is an addition polymer that results when styrene monomers interconnect ( polymerization ). 2. Diall 5mm Extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam Laminate & solid wood flooring Underlay panels - B&Q for all your home and garden supplies and advice on all the latest DIY trends Place the caulk in the caulking gun. Place the carpenter's square or yardstick on your drawn measurements, to use as a straight edge to guide the utility knife as you cut. Combining low thermal conductivity and low water absorption, extruded polystyrene has become the first choice for specifiers in a wide range of insulation applications. Nevertheless, if there are gaps between the polystyrene sheets, you can solve the problem by spraying polyurethane foam. If you follow my projects and in particular my youtube channel you know I use a lot of foam to make projects. As a result, extruded polystyrene has been used successfully for years to insulate areas of high moisture such as low-temperature warehouses and refrigerated vehicles. 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