How to Cut Mineral Wool [GUIDE]
Normal knives or scissors designed for cutting cardboard or dense fabrics, absolutely not fit...
What is Mineral Wool?
Mineral wool, also known as rock wool, is a type of insulation material that is made by spinning or drawing molten minerals such as rock, slag, or other ceramic fibers into fine fibers. The fibers are then bonded together using a binder to create a dense mat of material that can be used for thermal and acoustic insulation.
Mineral wool can be made from a variety of minerals, including basalt, diabase, and slag, which are melted at high temperatures and then spun into fibers. The resulting material has excellent thermal insulation properties, as well as good soundproofing qualities, making it an effective insulation material for buildings, pipes, and equipment.
Mineral wool is also resistant to fire and can withstand high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for insulation in areas that are exposed to heat or flames. Additionally, mineral wool is non-combustible, meaning that it does not contribute to the spread of fire. It is also resistant to moisture and mold, which helps to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi.
How to transport and store mineral wool
Transporting and storing mineral wool requires proper handling to prevent damage and ensure that it remains in good condition. Here are some tips to help you transport and store mineral wool:
- Use protective packaging: When transporting mineral wool, use protective packaging such as plastic wrapping or durable boxes to prevent damage during transit.
- Avoid compressing the material: Do not stack heavy items on top of the mineral wool, as this can compress the fibers and reduce its insulating properties.
- Store in a dry place: Store mineral wool in a dry place to prevent moisture damage, which can reduce its effectiveness as insulation. Avoid storing it in damp or humid areas.
- Keep away from sources of ignition: Mineral wool is fire-resistant, but it should still be stored away from sources of ignition such as open flames or heat sources.
- Handle with care: When handling mineral wool, wear protective clothing such as gloves and a dust mask to protect yourself from dust and other small particles.
- Do not store outside: Mineral wool should not be stored outside, as exposure to sunlight and moisture can damage the material.
- Unpack the mineral wool just before starting the insulation.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your mineral wool remains in good condition during transportation and storage, and that it will be effective as insulation when you are ready to use it.
What Knife is Recommended to Cut Mineral Wool
Regular knives or scissors designed for cutting cardboard or dense materials are absolutely unsuitable. Serrated kitchen knives, construction knives, stationery knives can be used to cut thin insulation (not more than 50 mm). More dense and thicker insulation materials are intended to be cut with: a special knife with a length of more than 250 mm. To cut mineral wool, such a tool has teeth of various sizes. Knives are made of stainless and cold rolled steel.
Sollex has just the right blades for cutting a variety of insulation materials.
- Thicker insulation materials. The Sollex blade artnr. 330 is 330 mm long (330 x 18.9 x 1.1 mm) with strong titanium-coated teeth, suitable for cutting thicker insulation. The 1.1 mm thick blade is made of quality steel and provides good durability and excellent cutting properties for the professional user.
- Stone wool.The 180mm long knife artnr 261 is suitable for cutting mineral wool insulation materials and mineral wool slabs. The 0.65 mm thick double-sided blade made of quality steel provides good durability for the professional user. The 261 stone wool cutting blade fits the Sollex construction knife (2000). Special holster (300) is recommended for safe storage when the knife is not in use. Suitable for cutting: stone wool insulation and stone wool boards. Extra holster black for 251 and 261 (180mm blade) fits perfect this blade knife.
- Fiberglass. Blade Art. 195 (195 x 15.8 x 0.884mm), which is adapted for use in industrial production and is particularly suitable for cutting glass wool and rubber. Grinding is 33 degrees for optimal fiberglass cutting.
- Foam. Knife blade artnr 251 is 160 mm long (160 x 18.9 x 0.65mm) and is adapted to cut the cellplast, frigolit and styrofoam for example but also other types of insulation. It is made of 0.65mm thick quality steel, double ground, which provides good durability for the professional user. Extra holster black for 251 and 261 (180mm blade) fits perfect this blade knife.
How to Cut Mineral Wool
We recommend the following tips:
- The tool for cutting should be well sharpened so that the mineral wool is not torn into fibers and less "dust"
- When cutting the insulation, it is important to leave about 2 cm of mineral wool for the seams to ensure a tight overlap
- it is better to cut the roll of mineral wool before using it
- It is recommended to cut the insulation before laying; the panels need to be unpacked and cut one by one
- Cutting the entire amount of mineral wool in one go is not recommended
Additional safety rules when working with mineral wool: wear a protective suit of thick cloth, which prevents skin contact with the fibers of mineral wool and its irritation, to protect the hands wear special gloves - with silicone or rubber coating on the palms, to protect the eyes will need special glasses, respiratory system protects a respirator. Don't forget to wear a protective hat or at least a cap on your head, which will prevent the surface of your head from small particles of insulation when cutting and laying it on vertical surfaces.
Longitudinal cutting of mineral wool
Mineral wool in rolls is cut in unpackaged form. The roll is placed on a hard, flat surface and the required length is measured. It is possible to make marks in three places on the circle of the roll. The marked cutting points are wrapped with tape for greater accuracy. Then the man saws a roll of mineral wool in a circle. And only after the cut piece is separated, it is possible to remove the packing foil.
Cross cutting the mineral wool
To cut across, unpack the roll of mineral wool and mark both sides. Then a level bar, such as a ruler, is attached and a board is placed under the material to prevent the knife from dulling. The knife is pulled along the ruler. If you can't cut the material in one motion, cut several times until the material is cut all the way through. The blades of the tool you use to cut the wool should always be well sharpened. It is best to cut the material crosswise. If the mineral wool is in sheets, cut them one at a time.
