Now That’s a CNC Machine

We’ve been hearing for a few years now about the massive CNC machine over at Phoenix Technology Works, but until we actually saw a picture, we honestly did not have a true image of just how big it was. It’s one thing to read that the CMS Poseidon Moving Bridge is housed in a 10,000 square foot building and is capable of machining parts up to 65 feet long, 20 feet wide and 10 feet tall without indexing. It’s another thing entirely to see a flatbed truck parked comfortably between the gantry pillars.

Phoenix’s Poseidon is certified for accuracy to within +/- .004 in., ideal for the exacting standards of their typical projects, which include large composite layup tools, milled patterns, molds, and many other tooling applications for aerospace, marine and transportation. The accuracy that Phoenix strives for is reflected in one of their favorite materials to work with, Precision Board Plus. “We particularly like how nicely Precision Board Plus machines, including the fact that it does not chip out. The guys in the shop like the small cell size, which has cut our finishing time in half”, says Production Manager Dan Welch.

Phoenix has extensive experience with Precision Board Plus, having machined every density from PBLT-4 to PBLT-40. According to Dan, they prefer to bond all their substructures to a rigid frame. “We rough to 0.100 of the finish, semi-finish to 0.040, and then run a finish pass at net”.

Located in Phoenix Arizona, Phoenix Technology Works has the engineering horsepower to “clean Sheet plan” your next project or they can take your current files and perform an FEA or CFD study. Check out their website at phoenixtechnologyworks.com.

Did You Know?

In addition to manufacturing blocks and sheets of Precision Board Plus in 13 standard densities and in any thickness from 1/4″ to 24″, Coastal Enterprises also makes custom bonded rough tooling blocks, ready to machine. We’re experts at bonding Precision Board Plus.

Simply provide us with the rough dimensions or a drawing of your tool and we’ll bond up a custom rough tooling block in a manner that conserves material and minimizes waste. Buy only the material you need and keep your staff focused on what they do best, machining! Learn more about our custom bonding service, request a quote on your bonding job, or give us a call at (800) 845-0745.