Hi,
I am looking for some info on hobbyist steam molding of styrafoam
starting from the raw compressed styrene pellets, and using steam
to expand them. I have the basic info but am wondering if anyone
here has experience doing this already or knows some detailed info
on steam pressure/temperature/time etc related to expansion size
of the styrene pellets, also if there are any biodegradable
alternatives.
I am thinking of using a wood mold filled with partly expanded pellets,
and then putting that in a steamer for 1atm steam to expand the pellets
further to the shape of the mold, and then if necessary either a vacuum
or drying stage afterwards. I think the styrafoam could develop
significant force so obviously the wood mold would have to be
structurally strong enough to not break from the expanding pellets.
cheers,
Jamie
- posted 5 years ago