Thermal knives for polystyrene (xps, eps)

Minova Hot Knife for Styrofoam — 250 W, 230 V

The Minova 30Y 250W thermal knife for polystyrene cuts EPS, XPS, EPE/EVA foams, and KT-board with a blade heated to 500°C—no dust, no damage to the material’s structure, and no cooling breaks. Pro-Cut offers two models: the corded 30Y (250W, 3-meter cord, 0.72 kg) and the cordless 30D (18V, 570g without battery)—both featuring active air cooling, a 90–180° rotating head, and 6 blades included.

Power 250 W and heating to 500°C in 3–4 seconds allow EPS to be cut to a thickness of 200 mm in a single smooth motion. Power supply voltage 230 V / 50 Hz (Model 30Y) or a battery 18V Makita / Bosch / DeWalt / Milwaukee (Model 30D) — Choose the power supply that best suits your operating conditions.

Active air cooling (fan + vents) maintains a constant blade temperature and allows for continuous operation without interruptions—unlike cheap knives, which require a cooling break every 15–20 seconds. Cable length 3 m (Model 30Y) provides freedom of movement on the construction site and in the workshop.

CE certification. 12-month warranty. Service in Poland—no need to send the product abroad. Free shipping via DPD courier on orders of 1,000 PLN or more.

Technical Specifications — Minova 30Y and 30D

The Minova 30Y (mains-powered) and 30D (battery-powered) are two variants of the same body, featuring an identical rotating head, 6 blades, and air cooling—they differ only in their power source and weight.

Maximum Temperature and Heating Time

The Minova 30Y and 30D achieve 500°C in 3–4 seconds Immediately upon turning it on—no need to wait for it to warm up. Three temperature settings (Low / Mid / High) plus a micro-adjustment knob (model 30Y) let you select the right temperature for any material: Low for soft EPE/EVA foams and thin sheets, Mid for standard EPS, High for dense XPS and deep cuts. The correct temperature ensures a smooth edge without scorching—start at a lower setting and increase it until the edge comes out clean, without smoke or discoloration.

The safety microswitch heats the blade only when the trigger is pressed—once the trigger is released, the blade stops heating immediately. However, the blade and head remain hot for at least 60 seconds after the tool is turned off—do not touch them without gloves.

Cutting depth and cable length

The 200-mm straight blades allow you to cut EPS and XPS polystyrene to 20 cm deep in a single pass. The 150-mm auxiliary blades are suitable for standard 5–15-cm insulation boards, while the 70-mm flat blades are ideal for grooving and cutting facade rustication. The 30Y corded model operates on a cable 3 m — eliminates the need for extension cords in most workshops and on construction sites.

Advantages of the Minova thermal knife for polystyrene foam

The Minova 30Y 250W cuts EPS, XPS, EPE, and PUR foams without creating dust or damaging the structure—active air cooling enables continuous operation without interruptions, and the 90–180° rotating head eliminates the need to adjust your body position when making angled cuts.

Continuous operation thanks to active air cooling

A fan and cooling channels dissipate heat from the chassis during operation—the Minova 30Y and 30D operate continuously without needing to cool down. User Mateusz Trzepi confirms this in his review: „I used it continuously for about 4 minutes, and it didn't turn off.". Inexpensive knives without cooling require a break every 15–20 seconds, which, during intensive construction work, extends the completion time several times over. Active cooling is the key advantage that sets Minova models apart from the competition in this price range (799–999 PLN).

Weight and Ergonomics — 0.72 kg with swivel head

The Minova 30Y weighs 0.72 kg, 30D battery-powered model — 0.57 kg without batteries. 90–180° swivel head (5 positions at 22.5° intervals, tool-free adjustment in one second) allows you to guide the blade into corners, at an angle, and in tight spaces without rotating the entire tool—reducing wrist fatigue during prolonged use. A safety trigger microswitch heats the blade only when the trigger is pressed, eliminating the risk of accidental contact with the hot blade.

6 blades included — cutting, grooving, and rusticating

The set includes 6 types of blades: straight 200 mm and 150 mm (for cutting EPS/XPS boards), 70 mm flat blades (for cutting grooves and facade rustication), „U" and „S" shaped blades (for profiled and curved cuts), and a scraper (for cleaning surfaces). One Styrofoam knife It replaces several tools—you can go from cutting thick insulation boards straight to cutting grooves and channels for electrical wiring without changing tools. Available separately: 15 cm (49 PLN) and 20 cm (55 PLN) blades, with the option to purchase a grooving tool as an accessory.

How to Choose a Heat Knife for Styrofoam

Choose a model based on your power source and the nature of the work: the 30Y corded model (250W, 3-meter cord, 799 PLN) for continuous operation and intensive insulation work; the 30D cordless model (18V, 999 PLN) for work on scaffolding, roofs, and in areas without access to electricity.

Key selection criteria:

• Power source: 230V AC (unlimited runtime, constant power) vs. 18V cordless (complete freedom of movement, limited runtime per charge)
• Maximum temperature: Both models reach temperatures of up to 500°C—sufficient for EPS (200–250°C), XPS (280–320°C), and PUR (250–300°C)
• Cutting depth: up to 200 mm with a straight blade; 200 mm — covers standard insulation boards and EPS blocks
• Weight: 30Y — 0.72 kg; 30D — 0.57 kg without batteries (battery weight varies by manufacturer)
• Battery Compatibility (30D): Makita 18V, Bosch 18V, DeWalt 18V, Milwaukee 18V via the Minova adapter

Types of hot knives and accessories for cutting Styrofoam

Minova offers two models of handheld thermal knives available at Pro-Cut: 30Y (250W AC, 799 zł) and 30D (18V cordless, 999 PLN). Both cut EPS, XPS, EPE/EVA, KT-board, polyurethane foams, and PP ropes with a blade heated to 500°C without producing dust.

Available replacement blades: 15 cm (49 PLN), 20 cm (55 PLN), and 30 cm (49 PLN). Specialized accessories: grooving tool—for cutting grooves and grooves in polystyrene for electrical wires, installation conduits, and decorative facade grooves. The Minova thermal knife cuts, but it also grooves and creates rustication—one tool, many uses.

For high-volume cutting of large EPS/XPS panels: the Minova CLASSIC 260W guillotine cutter (1,249 PLN) or Minova Pro 260W (1,999 PLN, corded + battery) — higher performance for horizontal cuts over 20 cm.

Health and Safety When Working with a Hot Knife

The knife blade heats up to 500°C — take the following precautions:

1. Wear protective gloves—the blade and head remain hot for at least 60 seconds after the microswitch is turned off
2. Work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors—melting EPS and XPS releases styrene fumes; limit your exposure time
3. Do not touch the blade for at least 60 seconds after releasing the trigger
4. Store the knife with the blade guard in a place out of the reach of children

Price of a thermal knife for Styrofoam

Pro-Cut offers two Minova models: a network-based one 30Y for 799 zł (on sale for 899 zł) and cordless 30D for 999 zł (on sale for 1,049 PLN). Replacement blades: 49–55 PLN each. Free shipping via DPD for orders of 1,000 PLN or more. Ships within 24 hours on business days.

Market comparison: thermal knives for polystyrene foam are available from about 60 PLN (models without cooling, 60–150 W, continuous operating time of 15–20 seconds) to 1,500+ PLN (professional models with cooling and a wide range of accessories). The Minova 30Y and 30D fall into the professional segment: active cooling, a rotating head, and 6 blades included in the set for 799–999 PLN offer a price-to-performance ratio unmatched by models priced below 500 PLN.

Warranty, Returns, and Service

Warranty 12 months For all Minova thermal knives — service available exclusively in Poland; no need to send items abroad. Returns accepted without giving a reason within 30 days. Consumable parts (blades, adapters) are always in stock at Pro-Cut.

FAQ — Thermal Knife for Styrofoam

What is the best knife for cutting Styrofoam?

For construction crews and intensive insulation projects: Minova 30Y 250W (799 PLN) — corded, continuous operation without interruptions, 6 blades included, air-cooled. For use without access to electricity: Minova 30D (999 PLN) — 18V cordless, compatible with Makita/Bosch/DeWalt/Milwaukee. Both reach 500°C in 3–4 seconds and cut EPS up to 200 mm thick.

How many watts should a hot knife for Styrofoam have?

For cutting EPS up to 5 cm: 60–150W is sufficient. For EPS 5–20 cm and XPS: a minimum of 250W with air cooling—without cooling, the blade shuts off every 15–20 seconds. The Minova 30Y 250W model cuts EPS up to 200 mm and XPS continuously thanks to its active cooling system. The 30D cordless cutter delivers comparable power at 18V.

What's the best way to cut Styrofoam—with a knife or wire?

The Minova 30Y thermal knife precisely cuts, bevels, and grooves EPS/XPS polystyrene up to 200 mm thick—in corners, at angles, and in tight spaces inaccessible to a wire. A wire-cut saw (e.g., Minova CLASSIC or Pro) is more efficient for batch cutting of large horizontal panels thicker than 200 mm. Rule of thumb: use a thermal cutter on-site and for precise shapes; use a wire cutter for mass production and standard-size cuts.

How do you adjust the temperature of a heat gun?

The Minova 30Y and 30D feature a 3-position slide switch (Low / Mid / High) with distinct clicks—allowing you to change the setting even while wearing gloves. The 30Y model also has a temperature micro-adjustment knob. How to select a setting: Low — soft EPE/EVA foam and thin EPS boards up to 5 cm thick; Mid — standard EPS, 5–15 cm; High — dense XPS, PUR, and deep cuts over 15 cm. Correct temperature: a smooth edge with no smoke or discoloration.

Is a cordless knife for cutting Styrofoam any good?

The Minova 30D cordless model cuts EPS/XPS up to 200 mm at temperatures up to 500°C with active air cooling—just like the corded model, but without a cord. It works well on scaffolding, on roofs, and in places without a power outlet. Limitation: operating time depends on battery capacity (e.g., a 4 Ah Makita 18V battery provides approx. 30–60 minutes of continuous EPS cutting). Compatible with Makita, Bosch, DeWalt, and Milwaukee 18V via an adapter.

What materials can the Minova thermal cutter cut?

The Minova 30Y and 30D cut: EPS (white polystyrene, 200–250°C), XPS (blue/pink Styrodur, 280–320°C), EPE/EVA (flexible foams, 200–280°C), KT-board (foam board, 180–220°C), PUR/PIR (polyurethane foams, 250–300°C), sponges, PP ropes, and technical fabrics. They are not intended for cutting wood, metal, or hard plastics such as ABS and PC.

Is a hot knife for Styrofoam safe to use?

The Minova 30Y and 30D have trigger microswitch — The blade heats up only when pressed and cools down immediately when released. Active air cooling prevents the body from overheating. Necessary precautions: protective gloves (the blade remains hot for 60 seconds after turning off), room ventilation (styrene fumes from EPS/XPS), storage with the blade cover in place. CE certified.

How do you care for a thermal knife for Styrofoam?

Clean the blade regularly of any melted material residue after it has cooled (at least 60 seconds after turning off the tool)—hardened residue increases cutting resistance and causes the blade to heat up unevenly. Store the tool with the guard in place. Inspect the power cord (model 30Y) for mechanical damage. Replace worn blades—a single blade costs 49–55 PLN and is always available at Pro-Cut.