Welcome
// Our Story:
From Machine Shop to
Industry Innovator
Founded in 1986 by Bruce St. Hilaire, our machine shop quickly became renowned for its expertise in working with exotic materials. Our dedication to precision and quality set us apart in the industry, and in 2006, we faced one of our biggest challenges yet—machining a complex and hazardous glass and leaded plastic material known for its difficulty.
Through this experience, we forged strong relationships with the original manufacturers and gained an in-depth understanding of the processes involved. However, when this manufacturer was acquired by Forum Energy, we noticed a decline in the quality and consistency of the material. Driven by our commitment to excellence, we decided to take matters into our own hands.
Success Stories:
**General Dynamics and the US Navy:**
We recently collaborated with General Dynamics to create a simple ring mold for the US Navy. This innovative approach saved the Navy approximately **half a million dollars** by opting for near net molding over purchasing a panel and machining the ring. This is just one of many success stories highlighting the value of our SADM/SPMM process.
**⚓ Lightweight Sonar Upgrade for the U.S. Navy:**
In a recent sonar system upgrade for the U.S. Navy, we engineered a lightweight hydrophone baffle housing using our proprietary syntactic materials—SADM .5 and BCF 40b. The outer shell, composed of SADM, delivers structural integrity with minimal weight, while the middle layer of BCF 40b enhances shock resistance and acoustic dampening.
This exclusive process positions us as the sole supplier of these critical components for Virginia-class submarines, reinforcing our commitment to innovation, precision, and mission-ready performance in advanced materials.
Our journey from a specialized machine shop to an industry leader in advanced materials is a testament to our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, all while maintaining our close-knit family values.
SADM Materials
Syntactic Materials are ideally suited for use in a variety of hostile environments where bouyancy and performance are a concern.
Our extensive expertise in working with these materials assures quality parts at the lowest possible price point.
Syntech Buoyancy Foams
Custom-made tooling can be used to manufacture specific syntactic foam geometries in batch quantities, or alternatively, for smaller custom applications blocks or sheets can be bonded, finish machined and ultimately coated in a protective skin.
BCF-40B
Our BCF-40b is a specially engineered, high-quality syntactic material designed to meet core requirements for a variety of subsea and oceanographic applications.
The combination of advanced composite with a toughened resin matrix provides much higher stiffness and shear strengths, and greater impact and shock properties than standard core materials.
Project Portfolio
Our work with syntactic materials has provided us the opportunity to contribute to some pretty amazing projects. Our parts have traveled to the depths of the ocean and the far reaches of outer space.
Call 978.392.9100 to discuss your requirement.
Suburban Machine, Inc.
69 Broadway Street
Westford, MA 01886
Phone: 978 392 9100