Styro•former® — Frequently Asked Questions

We've listed answers to some of our most common Styro•former® questions for your convenience.

Styro•former® is a self-standing radiotherapy shielding block cutter that offers accurate, easy and fast cutting with minimal training. With an X-ray positioned on the integral light table, technicians trace treatment areas on the film with a free-moving Teflon stylus. An electrically heated Nichrome cutting wire follows the traced pattern, producing a smooth, clean cut through a mounted foam block. The block, with this area cut out, then becomes the pouring form used for casting a shielding block used to shield healthy tissue during a radiation therapy treatment.

How is accuracy ensured with Styro•former®?

The heated wire is kept tight in a rigid box frame to provide accurate cuts with no perceptible bowing. It is never necessary to apply downward pressure to keep the wire tight. The rigid box frame ensures that the cutting wire is precisely aligned between the source point and block tray. This ensured accuracy saves time, material, and training time.

What type of wire is used with the Styro•former®?

We use a special nichrome wire for the hot wire cutter. The nichrome cutting wire fits into the frame's unique electromechanical bushings. These bushings, designed to hold the wire with a flat grip, ensure long wire life and easy replacement. Should your cutting wire break, we will replace it free of charge for the life of the machine.

Is Styro•former® easy to use?

Styro•former® is very easy to operate. The spring loaded, Teflon stylus moves freely in any direction. It is unhampered by the limitations of an X or Y axis giving the operator complete maneuverability.

Once adjustment of the source point and block tray distances have been made, the desired cutting parameters are set. The radiograph isocenter is then positioned and secured on scribed crosshairs. The light table and cutting wire are activated, and the area to be shielded is outlined with the handheld tracing stylus. The heated wire follows the traced pattern to produce a clean, divergent cut block mold used for casting a radiotherapy shielding block.

How is Styro•former® adjusted?

The source point and block tray are joined by a calibrated tie rod or Styro•former® Power Lift, to move smoothly to any treatment position. Compatible with all treatment machines, the calibrated vertical column (8'-9”) allows treatment heights to 180 cm source-to-film distance.

Can different size blocks be used with Styro•former®?

Standard adapters make positioning of different size blocks quick and easy. 12”, 10”, and 8” blocks can be placed precisely to minimize positioning errors. Rectangular blocks and blocks as large as 16” square can also be used.

Are there any recent upgrades to Styro•former®?

Our latest Power Lift LT model employs a new quick-change wire loading process and easy to operate interface that controls precision electric motors to independently move the source point and block tray to the desired treatment height at the push of a button. Other new features include a convenient tracing tip holder and built-in wire measuring guide.

What differentiates the Styro•former® models?

Our very first Styro•former® is the basic model. Without a Power Lift, a rotating friction drive system, operating against the column, eases the raising and lowering of the block tray arms and the verification light arm. A calibrated tie rod joins the source point and block tray, locking the two components together to move as a unit to any treatment position.

The Styro•former® Auto Boost model automatically increases cutting wire temperature when the wire deflects a given amount. A simple switching system reroutes the current through another circuit with its own potentiometer, which operators can set to their own preference. Experienced operators can set the Auto Boost to minimize distortion and maximize comfort and productivity. Inexperienced operators can have Auto Boost limits set by a supervisor to help them make precise blocks every time. When and operator applies too much pressure, an audio and visual alarm warns him or her to slow down.

The Styro•former® Power Lift model allows source-to-film distances to be precisely set at the push of a button. Precision electric motors independently move the source point and block tray to the desired treatment height. No manual positioning or measuring is needed. The Power Lift does the work while the operator stays seated. Heights are clearly indicated by a digital display, so even inexperienced operators will find the Power Lift easy to use for quick cuts with minimal errors.

Our newest Styro•former® Power Lift LT model combines precision electric motor positioning with economical direct column reading of cutting distances. Power Lift LT offers our most popular features including panel mounted drive controls, direct column reading, and a quick change wire system that uses unique thumb screws and a table mounted measuring template for quick, easy wire changes. Precise and economical, Power Lift LT may be our most versatile Styro•former® yet.

Are there any installation considerations with your system?

Styro•former® is a self-standing radiotherapy shielding block cutter that does not require floor or wall mounting. The lightbox is always at a comfortable, desktop working height and the freestanding table with a rugged 8' - 9" calibrated column can be placed in almost any small area. Electrical requirements are 120 VAC, 60 Hz, 5A. Optional 220 VAC, 50 Hz, 5A is also available.

Are there any additional components that I will have to purchase?

Styro•former® comes as a complete system. Mold Room Kits, foam blocks, shielding alloy, tray adapters, Lexan trays and other supplies compliment our complete line of accessories.