Which Precision Board Density is Right for You?

Coastal Enterprises offers 16 different densities of Precision Board HDU ranging from 4lb up to 75lb, but what does that mean for me?  In this short Q&A blog, we’ll explain how density correlates to physical properties as it pertains to your individual project.  We’ll also give you the pros and cons of higher versus lower densities to find the best Precision Board product for you.

What is density?

Density is a measurement of weight per cubic volume or in Standard terms, pounds per cubic foot. This means that if you cut a 12”X12”X12” cube of a 15 pcf density material, it would weigh 15 lbs.

How many densities of Precision Board are there?

Coastal Enterprises offers 16 densities of Precision Board in low-temp (PBLT <200ºF) and high-temp (PBHT <300ºF) formulations.  Densities include 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 25, 30, 34, 40, 48, 60, 70 & 75.

How do we fit more material in per cubic foot to raise the density?

Precision Board is a cellular material that is made up of millions of individual cells, linked together in a closed cell network. As the Precision Board goes up in density, individual cell walls get thicker thus adding more material into each cubic foot.

So what does that mean for me?

As the cell wall gets thicker, two things happen. First, there is an increase in physical properties such as compressive strength, flexural modulus and Shore D hardness. Second, as the cell wall gets thicker the exposed interior of the cells cut during machining gets smaller, translating to improved surface profile. In other words, as the density increases, you get a stronger material as well as a smoother surface.

Why not use the highest density available on all projects?

As you go up in density you also go up in cost and weight proportionately. The goal in finding the perfect Precision Board solution for your project is to find the density that provides you with the physical properties and surface profile your project requires without being any more expensive or heavy than you need.

How do I know which density is the right combination of physical properties, surface profile, weight and cost?

Contact our technical sales department to discuss your specific project needs. With decades of experience they can help guide you to the correct material. They are available by phone at 800-845-0745 or by email at hdu@precisionboard.com.

Coastal Enterprises is a 30-year old privately-owned company, located in California.  Our manufacturing producst and processes are fully integrated in the United States, which has allowed us to avoid supply chain disruptions and maintain unparalleled market stability. For thirty years we have manufactured Precision Board, a high-density urethane tooling board used in many different applications including composite tooling, prototyping, thermoform tooling, pattern making, theming, dimensional signage and more. It is currently being used in many essential industries including aerospace, defense, transportation, energy and healthcare. You can get pricingfree samplessign up for newsletters or contact us.