ENGINEERING
Pattern Making
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40+ Years Experience
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UK Manufactured
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Family Run Business
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UK Wide Delivery
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Competitively Priced Quotes
Pattern Making Fundamentals
Patternmaking is a precision trade that bridges fine woodworking and industrial mould‑making. It involves turning engineering designs into durable, highly accurate physical replicas.
Patternmakers typically work with:
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Wood
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Resin
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Rubber
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Composites
These high‑specification patterns are used in the foundry process to create sand cavities. Molten metal is poured into these cavities, and once cooled, the metal solidifies into the final casting.
Because castings must be dimensionally perfect, pattern-makers complete years of rigorous apprenticeship to master the craft.
How it works...
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You provide a design, technical drawing or an original casting
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We make the pattern from wood, resin or another suitable material
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Once complete your pattern is ready for casting at the foundry
TECHNIQUES
Methods of Manufacture
MODERN APPLICATIONS
We manufacture precision patterns for automotive components, engine blocks, and bespoke body kits.
As expert patternmakers, we combine traditional craftsmanship with advanced engineering materials - utilising high-grade casting resins and state-of-the-art composite 3D printing to deliver exceptional dimensional accuracy and flawless finishes.
TRADITIONAL METHODS
We hand-craft high-specification patterns and moulds using premium timber and casting resins.
Our workshop specialises in the volume manufacture, modification, and restoration of tooling for the decorative cast iron market, as well as the heavy marine and locomotive engineering industries.
Techniques
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Carving – While basic shapes can be machined, we hand-carve the majority of our patterns to achieve intricate, bespoke details.
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Sanding – We combine belt, disc, and orbital sanding machines with precise hand-sanding to refine complex shapes and flawlessly smooth every edge.
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Turning – To produce perfect cylindrical shapes, we utilise traditional lathe turning alongside manual saw and sanding work.
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Radii & Curves – We use precision routers for consistent profiling, but craft most radius edges by hand to ensure a seamless finish.
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Lettering – We stock a range of standard fonts and sizes, and can manufacture bespoke lettering tailored entirely to your unique specifications.
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Resin Moulding - We utilise high-quality casting resins to produce exceptionally durable patterns, stable duplicate models, and smooth, wear-resistant surface finishes.
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Composite 3D Printing – We use Onyx®, a micro carbon fibre-filled nylon that achieves 3.5 times more stability compared with nylon alone, yielding dimensionally accurate patterns and components with a near-flawless surface finish.