Machinable Media Selection Guide

Design

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Part, Pattern, Tool, or Mold

When choosing your machinable media, consider the following criteria:

Detail Requirements (simple or complex shape
Ease of Machining and Cutting
Dimensional Stability Requirements (part accuracy)
Durability Requirements (abrasion & impact resistance)
Heat Resistance Requirements
Quality of Finish Needed

Please keep in mind that the information on the following page should be considered as guidelines and not rules. The best material for your application will vary depending on the unique characteristics of your project.

Premium Synthetic Boards

Lack of grain permits excellent results when machining and cutting
Higher cost

RenShape Modeling & Styling Boards

Good to excellent machined surface finish
Excellent machinability
Good stability
Good to excellent durability
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RenShape Tooling & Hi-Temp Work Boards

Excellent machined surface finish
Good machinability
Excellent stability
Moderate to excellent durability
No Pre-preg cure inhibition (epoxy boards only)
Select formulations provide elevated heat resistance
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Freeman Machinable Wax

Excellent machined surface finish
High-speed machining
Moderate stability
Low durability
Very low wear on cutting tools
Self-releasing for tooling plastic duplications
Recyclable
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Richlite Phenolic Boards

Excellent machined surface finish
Moderately difficult to machine
Good stability
Excellent durability
High strength
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Economical Synthetic Boards

Lack of grain permits good results when machining and cutting
Low to moderate cost

RenShape Polyurethane Foam Boards

Lower quality machined surface finish
Lower durability
Good stability
Light weight
High-speed machining
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Medium Density Fiberboard

Lower quality machined surface finish
Lower durability
Moderate stability
Lowest cost of all synthetic tooling boards
Fast machining
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Lumber Products

Low to moderate cost
Possess grain which causes machining & finishing problems
Durability depends on species
Easily workable with hand tools or machine tools

Perfect Plank

More stable than rough sawn lumber due to uniform drying
Four species available
Virtually defect-free
Available up to 6 1/4 inches thick for larger jobs
Surfaced on four sides for ease of use
Consistent grain orientation
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