Tooling Board / Renshape
Overview
Machinable wax/tooling board or high-density polyurethane foam board. Used for CNC prototyping, pattern making, and creating molds. Machines without dust and at high speed.
Properties
Pros
- Excellent for master patterns and molds
- Machines like butter — very easy to cut
- Holds fine detail well
- Dimensionally stable
- No grain to worry about
- Available in various densities
Cons
- Not a structural material
- Expensive
- Generates fine dust
- Can absorb moisture if unsealed
- Lower densities are fragile
- Not for load-bearing applications
Best For
- Pattern making
- mold making
- master patterns
- foam core signs
- prototype parts
- CNC practice
Avoid For
- Structural or load-bearing parts (foam/wax)
- outdoor use without coating
- food contact
Laser Compatibility
Polyurethane tooling board cuts cleanly on CO2 laser. CO2: cut 20mm at 100mm/s 80W; engrave 400mm/s 50%. Diode: limited effectiveness on dense grades; use for engraving only at 100% power. Produces isocyanate fumes — high-quality ventilation and respirator required. Smooth, consistent material with no grain — excellent for engraved molds and patterns. Harder grades (Renshape 450+) produce finer detail.
Brands
Coastal Enterprises HDUFreeman Manufacturing tooling boardPrecision Boardmachinable wax blocks