NiChrome Wire is the optimal wire choice for foam cutters for a variety of reasons, but particularly because it is resistant against corrosion and oxidation at very high temperature.

There are two readily available types of wire, NiChrome A & NiChrome C

• Nichrome A contains 80% Nickel and 20% Chromium
• Nichrome C contains 60% Nickel, 16% Chromium, & 24% Iron

By comparison, there isn’t too much different between the two wires with the exception of the following

• Nichrome C has a little higher resistance per foot
• Nichrome C increases more resistance per foot as temperature increases
• Nichrome A has higher tensile strength
• Nichrome A has a higher melting point

Based on this information it would appear that NiChrome A is better to use, but as it stands NiChrome C is a bit easier to acquire and a bit cheaper. But practically speaking, there is not much functional difference between the two when it comes to cutting foam.

Approximate amperage you will need to heat a straight oxidized wire in air to the specified temperature.