As per our Shipping and Returns Policy, custom cuts and fabricated parts are non-returnable. If you need an over- or undersized item, note it under "Comments" during Checkout. Cut-to-size orders have an acceptable cut tolerance of 1/8" (0.125"), so clarify if the adjustment is to be made on the (+) or (-) side of the saw blade.Please review our full return and shipping policy here.
Measure Twice, Cut Once
Since custom cuts and fabricated parts are non-refundable, be very careful while measuring your dimensions. As each cut is nominal, even the slightest miscalculation could be costly.
How to Use a Measuring Tape
Extend your tape measure several inches to find the 1 and 2 inch markers. In between the inch markers you’ll find 16 equally spaced tick marks.
Measure by counting the increments beyond the nearest inch. As the increments decrease, so does the length of the mark. For example, 1/2" has a bigger mark than 1/4" which has a bigger mark than 1/8". The smallest mark follows at 1/16". Please be aware that some measuring tapes may have even smaller increments.
Features of a Measuring Tape: Sliding End Hook
The sliding end hook is designed for two different types of measurements. An outside measurement (where the hook of the tape hangs over an edge), requires the hook to slide out a bit to account for the thickness of the material. When making an inside measurement (where the hook will push up against a surface), the clip slides in, again, accounting for its thickness. The measuring tape self-adjusts to guarantee an accurate measurement (as far as the tape is concerned).
Sanitizing Acrylic and Polycarbonate Sheet [X]
Acrylic and Polycarbonate Sneeze Guards and like products require special care while cleaning and disinfecting. To maintain the optical clarity of sneeze guards and other acrylic or polycarbonate items, use an acrylic or polycarbonate safe cleaner like Novus Plastic Polish #1, Brillianize Plastic Cleaner, or a mild soap solution.
Please reference the following compatible cleaners when DISINFECTING acrylic and polycarbonate items. The use of commonly available commercial alcohol or ammonia-based disinfectants may cause crazing and damage.
Low Temperature Tooling Board for Precision Tooling & Exterior Signage
Precision Board High Density Urethane (HDU) PBLT-15 is a rigid, closed-cell polyurethane foam engineered for low temperature tooling applications. With a density of 15 lb/ft3, it provides the structural integrity required for CNC machining while remaining light enough for easy installation of large-scale dimensional signage.
Designed for extreme durability, PBLT-15 withstands continuous exposure to temperatures up to 200°F. Unlike wood, its uniform internal structure is extremely moisture-resistant to help prevent rot, cracking, or peeling. It is a "workhorse" material that outlasts traditional timber substrates by up to 10 to 1 in outdoor environments.
PBLT-15 is preferred by machinists and sign makers for its superior finish and environmental resilience. It is the correct choice if you require:
Optimized Machining:
Precision Board's closed-cell structure produces more chips and less dust, creating a cleaner workspace and allowing for higher feed rates with standard HSS cutting tools.
Thermal & Dimensional Stability:
Handles continuous heat up to 200°F without warping, making it ideal for tool proofing, prototyping, and vacuum forming.
Sustainability:
An environmentally friendly material featuring a certified carbon balance of 3 to 1. It is non-toxic, inert, and contains no VOCs or carcinogens.
Near-Zero Absorption:
Its closed-cell nature means it absorbs minimal moisture and ensures that paint stays on the surface for a vibrant, long-lasting finish.
Rigorous Compliance:
Meets flammability burn test requirements for ASTM D-1692-74, FAR 25.853, Mil-P-26514, and ASTM D635.
HDU vs. Wood: The 10x Durability Advantage
Precision Board PBLT is the modern replacement for redwood and cedar in the signage industry.
Choose PBLT-15 if you need a "knot-free" uniform surface that machines effortlessly in any direction. It saves hours of labor by eliminating the need to sand wood grain or fill natural defects.
Choose wood only if you require its authentic wood aesthetic or structural strength. While HDU Precision Board offers excellent durability and moisture resistance, wood offers unique natural grain patterns and better performance for large, free-standing dimensional signs.
Pictured: HDU Application & Density Comparison Chart
Fabrication & Tooling Compatibility
This material is exceptionally friendly to standard woodworking and machining tools. You can drill, rout, and cut PBLT-15 with ease. In CNC operations, it produces "crisp" chips that are easily vacuumed, rather than the fine, airborne dust associated with lower-quality foams. For bonding, use HDU-compatible adhesives to maintain structural integrity across seams.
Handling: Cut sheets may have sharp edges. We recommend wearing protective gloves when unpacking and handling this material to ensure safety.
Suitability: We take pride in the quality of our materials as they leave our facility. However, because every project is unique, we cannot account for how materials are modified, stored, or used after delivery. Please perform the necessary tests to ensure this material is right for your specific application and end-use conditions.
PURIFC SH
Technical Performance
PBLT-15 Precision Board is a high-density urethane (HDU) engineered to provide a predictable, dimensionally stable substrate for tooling and long-term exterior use.
PBLT-15 Engineering Properties & Specifications
Property
Value / Rating
Performance Benefit
Density
15 lb/ft³
Allows for high-detail carving without sacrificial cell collapse.
Max Service Temp
200°F (93.3°C)
Safe for vacuum forming & low-temp oven curing cycles.
Cell Structure
97% Closed-Cell
Hydrophobic; absorbs near-zero moisture and helps prevent rot, warping, cracking, or peeling.
Flammability
ASTM D-1692-74; FAR 25.853
Approved for aerospace and commercial interior applications.
Sustainability
3:1 Carbon Balance
VOC-free and "Green" certified for safer fabrication.
Additional Properties
Grain-Free Uniformity:
Unlike wood, HDU has no knots or grain direction. This allows for consistent, multi-directional CNC machining and 100% material utilization with zero waste from defects.
Exceptional Bond Strength & Finishing:
The closed-cell surface requires fewer coats of primer than open-cell alternatives. It is receptive to standard HDU adhesives (like FSC-88 WB) and high-quality paints, ensuring a vibrant finish that won't peel.
Dimensional Stability:
A low coefficient of thermal expansion ensures that master models, vacuum forming patterns, and signs remain accurate to their original CAD designs during temperature shifts.
Common Industrial & Commercial Applications
Tooling & Prototyping: Master model making, pattern making, tool proofing, and soft tooling for aerospace and automotive layup.
Composite Manufacturing: Prepreg composite layup tooling and vacuum forming patterns due to its 200°F temperature rating.
Dimensional Signage: High-end sandblasted or CNC-routed signs for retail, municipal, and residential environments.
Creative Arts: Large-scale sculptures, intricate carvings, and architectural millwork where rot-resistance is mandatory.
Cryogenic Environments: Its unique cell structure allows it to remain stable in specialized cryogenic support applications.
Engineering Limitations & Alternatives
While PBLT-15 is a versatile material, certain high-load or high-heat environments may require a different density or material:
High-Impact Surface Hardness: 15 lb HDU is durable but can be dented by sharp impacts. Better Alternative: For high-traffic areas or heavy-duty patterns, choose PBLT-30 (30 lb density).
Extreme Temperature Requirements: If your curing cycle exceeds 200°F, standard PBLT may begin to soften. Better Alternative: For high-temp autoclave cycles up to 300°F, consider Precision Board PBHT.
Structural Load Bearing: While rigid, HDU is a foam and not intended for primary structural load-bearing components. Better Alternative: For structural plastic components, consider HDPE or Acetal.
Natural Wood Aesthetics: HDU is an engineered foam that must be primed and painted. It cannot be treated with translucent stains. Better Alternative: If an authentic, clear-coated natural wood grain is required, traditional timber must be used.
HDU Precision Board PBLT-15 - High Density Urethane Foam Board And Sign Board Questions?
