Welcome
// Our Story:
From Machine Shop to
Industry Innovator
Founded in 1986 by Bruce St. Hilaire, our shop built its reputation on precision machining and the ability to work with challenging, specialty materials. That focus on quality and problem‑solving set the foundation for everything we do today.
In 2006, we were asked to machine a highly specialized glass‑filled and lead‑filled polymer — a material known for being difficult to work with. Through that project, we developed close relationships with the original manufacturers and gained a deep understanding of the material’s behavior and production methods.
When the material’s ownership later changed hands, we saw a noticeable shift in consistency and performance. To maintain the level of quality our customers expect, we chose to take control of the process ourselves. That decision pushed us beyond traditional machining and into developing our own advanced manufacturing capabilities.
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