Expert Cutting Services
All our polystyrene is crafted exclusively from virgin beads, with no regrind materials used in our manufacturing process. Customers can specify their desired shapes and sizes, select the most suitable grade for their needs, and we will expertly cut the polystyrene to meet their exact requirements.
Our skilled team can create a wide variety of 2D shapes, including:
- Custom Geometric Shapes: Round, square, rectangle, triangle, heart, octagonal
- Cake Dummies: Available in all styles
- Specialty Sheets: Custom-shaped sides or ends
- Packaging Solutions: Shapes designed for carton exports, wine bottle packs, tile packers
- Construction Applications: Voids for concrete formwork, columns for residential housing, pipe insulation
- Creative Designs: Alphabetical and numerical lettering, signage, logos
- Recreational & Decorative: Surfboard blanks, spa pool insulation covers, movie sets, and props
- Roof and Concrete: Sheets for under roof profiles, shapes for concrete formwork
Bring Your Vision to Life
Whether you need precision cuts for industrial use or unique designs for creative projects, we’re here to help. Share your special shape or design with us, and let us turn your ideas into reality!
Download Our Brochure
We can create customised EPS packaging to suit any particular need. Take a look at our brochure, and give our team a call if you’d like to discuss the possibilities.
Technical Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are polystyrene bins made of?
A: Polystyrene bins are made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), a lightweight, rigid, and durable material. EPS is produced by expanding tiny beads of polystyrene that are fused together to form a solid structure.
Q: What are the advantages of using polystyrene bins?
- Lightweight: Polystyrene bins are easy to handle and transport.
- Durability: They are strong and resistant to impacts.
- Insulation: Polystyrene provides excellent thermal insulation, making these bins ideal for temperature-sensitive items.
- Cost-effective: Polystyrene is an affordable material for a range of applications.
- Moisture resistance: Polystyrene is water-resistant, which helps protect contents from moisture damage.
Q: Are polystyrene bins environmentally friendly?
A: While polystyrene is not biodegradable, it can be recycled. Many manufacturers offer recycling programs for EPS, and the material can be reused in different products. It’s important to check with local recycling facilities for EPS recycling options.
Q: What are polystyrene bins commonly used for?
A: Polystyrene bins are commonly used for packaging and shipping food products, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and fragile items. They are also used in the fishing industry for transporting fish and seafood.
Q: How should polystyrene bins be stored?
A: Polystyrene bins should be stored in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and excessive heat, as they can become brittle under extreme conditions.
Q: Can polystyrene bins be used for food storage?
A: Yes, polystyrene bins are often used for food storage and transportation, especially in the food industry. However, it is essential to ensure that they are made from food-grade EPS to meet safety and health standards.
Q: Are polystyrene bins stackable?
A: Yes, most polystyrene bins are designed to be stackable, making them ideal for efficient storage and transportation. They often feature grooves or interlocking designs to ensure stability when stacked.
Q: How long do polystyrene bins last?
A: Polystyrene bins are durable and can last for many years if used and stored correctly. However, they may degrade if exposed to excessive UV light or extreme temperatures over time.
Q: Are polystyrene bins safe for handling?
A: Yes, polystyrene bins are generally safe to handle. They are lightweight and do not have sharp edges, though care should be taken when handling broken or damaged bins.
Q: Can polystyrene bins be customized?
A: Yes, polystyrene bins can be customized in terms of size, shape, and branding. Many manufacturers offer customization options, including logo printing or specific design alterations to suit particular needs.
Q: What are custom cut polystyrene shapes?
A: Custom cut polystyrene shapes are polystyrene sheets or blocks that have been precisely cut into specific shapes or sizes based on customer requirements. These shapes can range from simple geometric forms to complex designs, depending on the application.
Q: What materials are used for custom cutting?
A: Custom cut shapes are made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), a lightweight, rigid, and versatile foam material. EPS is ideal for insulation, packaging, and various construction applications.
Q: What types of shapes can be custom cut from polystyrene?
A: Custom shapes can include:
• Geometric shapes: Circles, squares, rectangles, triangles, etc.
• Letters and numbers: Alphabetical and numerical signage or décor.
• Logos: Customized logos for branding or promotional use.
• Packaging inserts: Protective shapes for packaging fragile items.
• Formwork and voids: Custom shapes for construction and concrete applications.
• Decorative shapes: Props, models, and art installations.
Q: How are custom shapes cut from polystyrene?
A: Custom polystyrene shapes are usually cut using methods such as:
• Hot wire cutting: A heated wire is used to cut through the foam, which is ideal for creating smooth and precise shapes.
• CNC cutting: A computerized machine (CNC router) cuts the polystyrene into shapes based on the design file, offering high accuracy.
• Manual cutting: For smaller projects, polystyrene can be manually cut with a utility knife or saw, though this method may not provide the same level of precision.
Q: What sizes are available for custom cut polystyrene shapes?
A: Custom cut shapes can be made to virtually any size, depending on the project’s needs. Standard sheet sizes are typically 2500 x 1200 mm, but custom cuts can be made to much larger or smaller dimensions, such as up to 5000 x 1200 x 500 mm or smaller pieces for more intricate designs.
Q: Can you cut polystyrene into complex designs?
A: Yes, polystyrene can be cut into complex, intricate designs, such as logos, detailed lettering, or custom-shaped packaging inserts. Advanced cutting methods like CNC routing and laser cutting allow for high-precision results with intricate patterns.
Q: What is the typical turnaround time for custom cut polystyrene shapes?
A: The turnaround time for custom cuts depends on the complexity of the design, quantity, and cutting method. For basic shapes, it may take a few days, while larger or more complex orders may require a week or more. It’s always best to confirm with the manufacturer or service provider for specific lead times.
Q: What are the benefits of using custom cut polystyrene shapes?
• Precision: Custom cuts offer high accuracy and can meet very specific size and design requirements.
• Versatility: Polystyrene can be shaped into a wide variety of forms, making it suitable for numerous applications, including insulation, packaging, signage, and more.
• Lightweight: Polystyrene is a lightweight material, making custom cuts easy to handle and install.
• Cost-effective: Custom cut shapes can be more affordable for certain applications, especially for large volumes or specific designs.
Q: Can custom cut polystyrene be used outdoors?
A: Polystyrene can be used outdoors, though it may need additional protection from UV exposure, which can cause degradation over time. It is often used in construction for insulation and formwork, but if used in external environments, it may need a protective coating or cover to enhance its longevity.
Q: Is custom cut polystyrene suitable for all industries?
A: Yes, custom cut polystyrene shapes are used across a variety of industries, including:
• Construction: For insulation, void formers, and custom molds.
• Packaging: For protective packaging, custom inserts, and shipping materials.
• Advertising and Signage: For custom logos, letters, and promotional displays.
• Art and Design: For sculptures, models, and props.
• Film and TV: For creating props and set designs.
Q: How accurate are custom cuts?
A: Custom cuts can be extremely accurate, especially when using advanced methods like CNC cutting or hot wire cutting, which can produce shapes down to millimeter-level precision. The accuracy depends on the complexity of the design and the cutting technology used.
Q: Can you cut polystyrene into large shapes or thick sheets?
A: Yes, polystyrene can be cut into large shapes or thick sheets. For larger sizes, cutting machines such as CNC routers or industrial hot wire cutters are used. Polystyrene sheets can also be cut into thicker blocks for insulation or structural applications.
Q: What is the cost of custom cut polystyrene shapes?
A: The cost of custom cut polystyrene shapes depends on factors such as:
• Material type: Some grades of polystyrene (e.g., EPS vs. XPS) may be more expensive than others.
• Design complexity: Intricate designs or larger quantities may increase the cost.
• Size: Larger cuts or thicker material often come with higher costs.
• Cutting method: Advanced techniques such as CNC routing or laser cutting may be more expensive than manual cutting.
Q: Is polystyrene recyclable after being cut?
A: Yes, polystyrene is recyclable. If the custom cut pieces are not used or if waste is generated during the cutting process, polystyrene can typically be collected and recycled. However, the ease of recycling may depend on local recycling facilities and practices.
Q: Can custom cut polystyrene shapes be painted or decorated?
Yes, custom cut polystyrene shapes can be painted or decorated. Common methods include spray painting, airbrushing, or applying coatings. However, it’s important to choose paints or coatings that are compatible with polystyrene to avoid damage or melting.