The PB Vault – Tooling/Industrial

Precision Board urethane tooling board is a versatile, cost-effective and eco-friendly high-density polyurethane material that is particularly effective for creating tools, prototypes and molds.  It is a closed-cell rigid substrate that does not rot, warp or crack.  Precision Board has a uniform surface with no knots and is easily cut with a CNC, laser engraver, water jet or carving tools.

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PBLT
PBHT

With its roots in Aerospace, Precision Board High-Density Urethane Tooling Board is specifically engineered to meet the demands of a broad range of tooling and tool making applications. Both PBLT Tooling Board (<200º F) and PBHT Tooling Board (<300º F), possess excellent machining characteristics and dimensional stability for tool making. Precision Board HDU Tooling Board is ideal for soft tooling and rapid prototyping because it can be more rapidly machined and it is more economical than alloy or epoxy-based alternatives. Geometric growth in the use of composites in aerospace, automotive, wind, energy and other industries has opened up new markets for this versatile tool making substrate.

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Tooling Landing Page

Density is the standard term for determining weight of a cubic foot of material, any material. A cubic foot is a cube that is 12″ x 12″ x 12″. Its weight is the density. The higher the density the thicker the cell wall and the tougher and heavier it is. Thicker cell walls mean it takes more pressure to crush the cell wall. Heavier means there is more material in its makeup, so it costs more. The only physical difference between a 4-pound density Precision Board and a 75-pound density Precision Board is the thickness of the cell wall. The cell wall thickness only determines toughness and has no effect on its weather-ability, solvent resistance, etc.

Precision Board is available in the following densities (click on individual densities for data sheet information): 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 30, 34, 40, 48, 60, 70, 75.

More info:
Material Selection Guide

Videos:
Density explained in 22 seconds

Precision Board High Density Urethane (PBLT = Precision Board Low Temp) from Coastal Enterprises is made specifically for applications of up to 200° F continuous exposure.  Precision Board High Density Urethane (PBHT = Precision Board High Temp) is made specifically for applications of up 300º F continuous exposure.  You can consult our Material Selection Guide to determine if your project needs PBLT or PBHT and in which density.

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PBLT
PBHT
Material Selection Guide

Precision Board HDU is available in 8 standard sheet sizes with thickness ranging from ½” to 24” in ANY increment, giving you more choices to get the best yield per sheet.  We also offer custom sheet cutting within these standard sheet sizes.  Precision Board is available in the following sheet sizes: 20”x60”, 24”x60”, 30”x80”, 48”x60”, 4’x8’, 4’x10’, 5’x8’, 5’x10’.

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Custom Sheet Cutting

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Precision Board Sheet Sizes

Our material is made on the premises and not farmed out, so we can cut your Precision Board HDU sheet to any thickness from 1/2″ to 24″ in ANY increment.  This means that you can not only get 1″, 1.5″ or 2″ thick sheets, but you can go as high as you want up to 24″.

Precision Board now has Eco-Friendly, environmental safeguarding, Green components. This state-of-the-art formula is not only easier on the planet but has also created a much tighter, finer cell structure, making it much easier to carve, prime, and paint; more chips, less dust. Carbon footprint = 3:1. Rapidly Renewable Materials = 23.9%. No VOC’s, Non-Toxic, Totally Inert, and no Carcinogens. Made in the USA.

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Green Facts

Precision Board is non-abrasive and is designed to cut clean even using standard HSS cutters. For more information regarding bit selection for your specific project, contact your router bit manufacturer.

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Router Bit Selector Guide
Speeds and Feeds settings with Onsrud
Speeds and Feeds settings with X-Edge
Speeds and Feeds settings with Techno CNC
Speeds and Feeds settings with MultiCam
Picking a CNC Router Part 1, 2, 3

Videos:
CNC Routing of Precision Board HDU Playlist on YouTube

No. Both products machine very well and at high feed rates.

More info:
Router Bit Selector Guide
Speeds and Feeds settings with Onsrud
Speeds and Feeds settings with X-Edge
Speeds and Feeds settings with Techno CNC
Speeds and Feeds settings with MultiCam
Picking a CNC Router Part 1, 2, 3

Videos:
CNC Routing of Precision Board HDU Playlist on YouTube

No. Precision Board, both PBLT and PBHT, contains no abrasive components or fillers. This means standard high-speed steel (HSS) cutting tools may be used.

Both materials have a CTE of 26 x 10-6. Call us if you have any questions.

Precision Board can be easily bonded with high quality epoxy adhesives. Coastal Enterprises makes a very easy to use, machinable grade, high-strength epoxy called EP-76. It machines, sands and carves very smoothly. Contact Coastal Enterprises for more information and helpful bonding tips.

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EP-76 Epoxy Adhesive
Adhesives
Custom Bonding

Coastal Enterprises makes, and therefore recommends, a one-part urethane adhesive, PB Bond-240, that is specifically designed for these purposes. PB Bond makes it very easy to perform both types of bonds. PB Bond is waterproof and solvent proof. Check out the data sheet and also the application sheet.

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PB Bond 240 Adhesive
Adhesives
Custom Bonding

Yes.  Prior to machining complicated substrates, proofing your tool paths with Precision Board Tooling Board can save you from costly programming errors.

Precision Board can be used to run your tool paths and discover inaccuracies in the programming ahead of time and correct them before final machining.

Errors that are caught during proofing can come from a variety of sources, such as glitches in the CAM software or even a programming error. These will be identified and corrected during the proofing using Precision Board.

Give Coastal Enterprises a call today at 800-845-0745 to discuss the best Precision Board density choice for your tool path proofing.

Precision Board high-density urethane (HDU) is made of millions of tiny bubbles, or cells, that are mostly separate from each other. Since these cells are not interconnected neither ambient moisture nor temperature can enter Precision Board. This means it does not warp or crack from water penetration.

Yes. Precision Board is compatible with virtually any resin system, whether polyester, vinylester or epoxy-based.

Call us for specific hardness information or check our on-line Data Sheets at www.precisionboard.com.

Precision Board may be more expensive initially on a square foot basis depending on the type of wood. However, since it comes in 8 standard sizes of 20″x60″ up to 5′ x 10′ and in thicknesses up to 24″ thick, there is usually no laminating or surfacing required. The savings in laminating labor, equipment usage, and shop flow time will usually more than make up the initial cost difference.

Yes, it can. Precision Board, being a closed cell product, absorbs no ambient moisture. It is a fairly good insulator, so temperature does not migrate into it. It has been tested from -423°F to +300°F with no degradation or breakdown. It doesn’t absorb water from high humidity, rain, snow, or ice so it does not expand or contract because of water intrusion. This means it doesn’t warp or crack and the paint lasts longer and stays brighter than on wood.

Yes, it can. Precision Board, being a closed cell product, absorbs no ambient moisture. It is a fairly good insulator, so temperature does not migrate into it. It has been tested from -423°F to +300°F with no degradation or breakdown. It doesn’t absorb water from high humidity, rain, snow, or ice so it does not expand or contract because of water intrusion. This means it doesn’t warp or crack and the paint lasts longer and stays brighter than on wood.

Yes. Left in the sun unpainted, Precision Board will start to discolor and turn brown in about 48 hours. Left totally unprotected Precision Board will continue to turn brown and breakdown from UV at about 1/32″ per year. This means about 1″ of deterioration every 32 years. Obviously, deterioration is not a problem, but the changing color is not pleasing. However, just under the surface the cell structure is unaffected. When this surface is removed it is ready for primer and paint. Keeping the painted surface looking good will assure a very long service life.

Yes.  Precision Board is a closed-cell High Density Urethane (HDU), which means it keeps water out! It absorbs no ambient moisture, and stands up to temperature extremes with no degradation or breakdown. It’s perfect for outdoor signs and displays that need to withstand rain, snow, ice, sleet and high humidity. Even signs in drier climates can benefit from Precision Board’s moisture-repelling qualities: Repeated dousing with sprinklers or exposure to moist sea air can compromise a wood sign, but HDU stands up!

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Weatherproof Signs with HDU
Life of Sign Warranty

High density urethane has been used commercially as exterior insulation starting with the Saturn S-II moon launch vehicle in 1964, and as exterior insulation on the Alaskan Pipeline in 1970, still in service. Currently, in addition to being used as insulation for homes, water heaters, refrigerators, and freezers, it is used for signage, tooling, model making, boat building, and in many other places. Urethane is very versatile and track proven. Precision Board HDU has been manufactured by Coastal Enterprises since 1972.

More info:
Coastal Enterprises History
CW Podcast

The very best way to assure you receive top-quality high-density urethane is to always remember to ask for Precision Board HDU by name. Accept no substitutes. Technical support is readily available. Call us toll-free at (800) 845-0745 for samples and check us out at www.precisionboard.com. You can also download the Precision Board app for iOS and Android.  We are here to help.

Videos:
Why Choose Coastal Enterprises?

For information, technical assistance, or help with a quote, call us at (800) 845-0745 or visit the website at www.precisionboard.com.  You can also download the mobile app in the App Store or Google Play. We are here to help. Click here for a free sample of Precision Board.

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Website
Mobile App (Apple)
Mobile App (Google)

Yes. Precision Board, being an organic material is not a heat conducting substrate like aluminum or steel, and therefore must be heat cycled differently. Precision Board takes longer than metal to completely absorb heat into it during the heating cycle. It also releases heat slower than metal during the cool down cycle.

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6 Quick Tips for Tooling with Precision Board
Ten Tips for Tooling with Precision Board

Temperature ramp up should not exceed 1°F per minute. This allows the temperature to be evenly absorbed during heat expansion, which will reduce possibility of internal stress and warping. Temperature ramp down should not exceed 2°F per minute. This allows the temperature of the tool to come down slowly, so contraction does not cause internal stress and cracking in the thin sections of the tool. In thick tools with thin webs or sections, the cool down should be even lower. Prior testing is always recommended before heat cycling on actual tool.

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6 Quick Tips for Tooling with Precision Board
Ten Tips for Tooling with Precision Board

No. When in doubt with either material, extend ramping times.

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6 Quick Tips for Tooling with Precision Board
Ten Tips for Tooling with Precision Board

Since all organic materials tend to soften when heated, the maximum pressure allowed is much less on Precision Board than on aluminum or steel. Both PBLT and PBHT, at maximum service temperatures, should not be subjected to pressures over 30psi. The lower the maximum curing temperature, the higher the pressure both materials can tolerate. It is always best to test for deformation pressure in the actual oven/autoclave and at curing temperature being used to determine specific maximum pressure.

Yes. Due to the internal stresses that are occurring in the tool during the heating and cooling part of the cure cycle it is important to hold the Precision Board tool flat. However, due to the differential of expansion and contraction between the Precision Board lay-up tool and the support structure it is crucial that they be allowed to move independent of each other. It is always a good idea to securely, not excessively, hold PBLT and PBHT tooling to the machining table to support the piece during ramp up and ramp down. Dogs, or equivalent, every 2′ +/- is adequate. Remember not to over tighten which will restrict horizontal expansion and contraction and possibly damage tool and composite laminate.

For production runs it is better to use the Precision Board tool as a “master tool” to reproduce “production” tooling. This method allows for multiple production tools to be made from one Precision Board master. This is a very effective way to make lower cost, faster completion, production tooling.

Yes. Coastal Enterprises will fabricate a support fixture for any Precision Board tool. This support tool can be used for tool transport, CNC machining, lay up of composite laminate, oven/autoclave curing, final inspection, and every other process procedure. Support structures are designed with all direction casters, leveling jacks, and tool hold down attachment that can be tightened during machining, etc. and loosened during oven/autoclave cycling. The custom hold down attachment has independent movement from the table.

Yes. Mold releases are designed to be used against all tooling surfaces so that after cure cycle, the composite part can be released and removed from the layup tool without damaging the tool or the part. Care must be taken when choosing a release agent to be sure it will not outgas during the composite heat curing cycle and affect resin cure. Always test a sample part to verify mold release compatibility with your chosen prepreg or composite laminate.

Yes! Precision Board is easy to machine, can hold tight tolerances and can be finished to a smooth surface profile making it a great choice for use in prototypes. By using Precision Board, you can make lightweight, cost-effective prototypes in less time.

More info:
Material Selection Guide

Yes.  You can use a variety of densities for casting patterns, from PBLT-48 all the way up to higher densities like PBLT-70 and PBLT-75.  Precision Board is easy to work with and cost effective.  It has excellent dimensional stability to create accurate casting parts.  If you’re not sure what density of Precision Board to use for your project, take a look at our Material Selection Guide for reference.

More info:
Lost and Foundry: Restoring a WWII Era 16″ Lathe
Material Selection Guide

Yes.  We had Cold Jet, a pioneer in dry ice blasting and global expert on dry ice technology, dry ice blast a PBLT-70 tool coated with FSC-88 WB Primer.

The results? Dry ice cleaning removed the primer and left the Precision Board HDU surface smooth and with no visible surface deterioration.

The test replicated cleaning contaminants off of a fouled mold without damaging the material, allowing for multiple cycles of cleaning and resealing of a Precision Board tool.

More info:

Cold Jet Dry Ice Cleaning of Precision Board Tools

Dry Ice Blasting Playlist on YouTube

Yes – Coastal Enterprises will fabricate any size and shape, small to extra-large, sheet or block tool to meet your specifications. This allows you to immediately start the machining process on arrival with no bonding delay. Custom bonding not only reduces machine time but saves on material costs as well. Fast turnaround times are our specialty.

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Custom Sheet Cutting
Custom Bonding
Custom Tooling Blocks
Custom Mandrels
Custom Bonded Blocks Saves You Time = Money
CR Onsrud Routed a Porsche 917k from a Precision Board Bonded Block
Custom Bonding Playlist on YouTube

Yes. The Aerospace and Automotive industries have relied on us for years to bond custom Precision Board Tooling Board tooling blocks for their unique composite layup tooling needs. From small and simple to large and complex, we offer fast turn around and competitive pricing on custom tooling board blocks. We can take the guesswork out of building your composite lay up tool. Working from a CAD drawing of your tool, we’ll design and fabricate a custom block using Precision Board that is ready for machining. Virtually any shape, size or level of complexity, our bonding expertise will help you keep your project on schedule and on budget.

More info:
Custom Sheet Cutting
Custom Bonding
Custom Tooling Blocks
Custom Mandrels
Custom Bonded Blocks Saves You Time = Money
CR Onsrud Routed a Porsche 917k from a Precision Board Bonded Block
Custom Bonding Playlist on YouTube

As a trusted leader in custom-bonded tooling solutions, Coastal Enterprises Company is pleased to announce the addition of our custom-bonded mandrels for filament-wound tank and pressure-vessel producers. Mandrels can be of any size rectangle or square shape.

Our custom-bonded Precision Board mandrels are designed to enable manufacturers of filament-wound tanks, cylinders and pressure vessels to be more accommodating to last minute design changes. A Precision Board mandrel can help reduce machining time for prototypes or low-volume projects.

Rigid polyurethane mandrels are beneficial to hydraulic, gas, hydrogen, compressed air, and general-purpose filament-wound tank and pressure vessel producers. Companies in the composites, aerospace, marine, oil & gas and other related industries can save on labor and time through this innovative tooling method.

More info:
Custom Sheet Cutting
Custom Bonding
Custom Tooling Blocks
Custom Mandrels
Custom Bonded Blocks Saves You Time = Money
CR Onsrud Routed a Porsche 917k from a Precision Board Bonded Block
Custom Bonding Playlist on YouTube

Coastal Enterprises Company is pleased to offer custom sheet cutting within any of our standard Precision Board HDU sheet sizes, saving you time and money. Custom-cut pieces are delivered to your shop ready to be worked on. Clean-cut drops/remnants included. We have 8 sheet sizes ranging up to 5′ x 10′ and in thicknesses of 1/2″ up to 24″.

If you need 1 1/8″, you don’t need to buy 1 1/2″ and machine it down. Similarly, if your project needs 3 3/4″ thickness, you can get it at that thickness to start with rather than starting with 4″ and machining it down.

This saves time and material and delivers your Precision Board HDU at the exact shape and size you need to get to work.

We can cut a variety of shapes and sizes, including basic geometric shapes, diameters and radiuses. In most cases custom-cutting is done with no additional charge.

With more standard sheet sizes than anybody else, better yield opportunities are available.

More info:
Custom Sheet Cutting
Custom Bonding
Custom Tooling Blocks
Custom Mandrels
Custom Bonded Blocks Saves You Time = Money
CR Onsrud Routed a Porsche 917k from a Precision Board Bonded Block
Custom Bonding Playlist on YouTube