Materials compared
Foam core or Taskboard for your model
Foam core is a foam center between two paper faces. It is light, and it is fast for big massing models.
Taskboard® is one solid white fiber board that stays flat, and it cuts on the laser, where foam core is often banned.
Taskboard and foam core, side by side
| Compare | Taskboard® | Foam core |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | One solid board | Foam center with paper faces |
| Staying flat | Stays flat | Can bow |
| Laser | Cuts on the laser. Cuts faster, with a light brown edge that sands clean. | Banned on the laser at many school labs |
| Edges | A clean edge that sands | The foam center shows at the edge |
| Best for | Models you cut by hand or on the laser | Fast, light massing models |
When Taskboard is the better sheet
- You will cut on a laser, especially a school or shop laser.
- The model will be seen up close, and the edges matter.
- You want a sheet that stays flat.
When foam core is the better sheet
- You are blocking out large volumes quickly and you need thickness more than detail.
- You want a very light model.
- You will cut it by hand with a sharp blade. The USF XARTS guide says foam core cuts cleanly that way.
Foam core and the laser
Many school labs ban foam core on the laser, because the foam is polystyrene. Harvard GSD’s fab lab puts foam core on its “Do Not Cut” list (opens in a new tab). Penn Design’s fab lab lists foam core and polystyrene as banned materials (opens in a new tab).
Check your lab’s list before you cut. If you must laser cut a model, Taskboard is a board you can use.
Cutting foam core by hand
The USF XARTS guide says foam core cuts cleanly with a sharp X-Acto or Olfa blade, and it has no grain. The University of Melbourne’s model-making guide says to cut gradually, in a number of consecutive cuts (opens in a new tab) so the inner foam does not tear. A dull blade crushes the foam and tears the paper face, according to a model-making materials guide (opens in a new tab).
Gluing foam core
Melbourne’s guide points to PVA (opens in a new tab) for foam core. A model-making materials guide says hot glue tacks fast but leaves a bulkier joint, and that humidity or too much glue on one side can warp the board (opens in a new tab). Spread glue evenly and hold the joint flat while it sets.
Why many labs ban foam core on the laser
The foam is polystyrene. Harvard GSD’s checklist says “Do not cut foam-core board or other materials containing Polystyrene or Styrene foam.” (opens in a new tab) Syracuse also bans it, and Penn Design adds polystyrene (opens in a new tab) to its banned list.
Not every source agrees. Some laser vendors describe cutting foam board under controlled conditions, such as Kasu Laser (opens in a new tab). Thunder Laser says the emissions depend on the material and its additives (opens in a new tab), so verify the exact board first. The University of Melbourne’s fab lab requires outside materials to be verified safe (opens in a new tab). When your lab has banned it, that decides.
What to cut on the laser instead
Harvard GSD lists chipboard, museum board and mat board (opens in a new tab) as approved, and the USF guide lists Taskboard, chipboard, museum board and basswood as laser-cuttable. Taskboard® cuts faster, with a light brown edge that sands clean.
Where foam core is the better sheet
For a quick massing study, foam core is a fair choice: Melbourne’s guide calls it ubiquitous for architectural modelling (opens in a new tab). It is light, it is thick, and it blocks out big volumes fast. Choose Taskboard when the edges will be seen, the part goes on a laser, or the sheet must stay flat. More in architecture model materials.
Which sheet
Walls and floors: 1/16" white
Stiffer than the 1/32" sheet, lighter than the 1/8" sheet.
Bases and site contours: 1/8" white
The stiffest sheet. Non-forming.
Skins and detail: 1/32" white
Cuts with scissors.
Our online store starts at $79. Need less? See where to buy. Need the numbers? See the spec sheet.
Quick answers
Can you laser cut foam core?
Many school labs ban it. Harvard GSD and Penn Design both do. Check your lab’s rules first.
What can I use instead of foam core on a laser?
Taskboard cuts on the laser, with a light brown edge that sands clean.
Can I get the same thickness as foam core?
No. Foam core is thicker. Taskboard’s thickest sheet is 1/8". For more thickness, glue sheets together.
How do you cut foam core without crushing it?
Use a fresh, sharp blade and a metal ruler, and cut in several passes. The University of Melbourne’s guide says cutting gradually, first through the paper layer and then the foam, avoids tearing the inner foam. A dull blade crushes the foam and tears the face.
What glue should I use on foam core?
PVA, says the University of Melbourne’s guide. Hot glue is quick but leaves a bulkier joint. Spread glue evenly, since too much on one side can warp the board.
Why can’t you laser cut foam core?
The foam is polystyrene. Harvard GSD says not to cut foam-core board or other materials containing polystyrene or styrene foam, and Penn Design and Syracuse ban it too. Some laser vendors say otherwise, so follow your lab’s list.
Does foam core give off fumes on a laser?
Heated polystyrene foam can produce smoke and fumes, and Thunder Laser says the emissions depend on the material and its additives. Cut only what your lab approves, with its exhaust running.
Does foam core warp?
It can. A model-making materials guide says humidity and too much glue on one side can warp it. Spread glue evenly and press the piece flat while it dries. Taskboard stays flat.
Is foam core good for a first model?
It is a common choice. The University of Melbourne’s guide calls it ubiquitous for architectural modelling. For parts you will cut on a laser, use a board your lab approves.
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