Foundry: Pattern Making
Foundry: Pattern Making
Foundry: Pattern Making
PATTERN MAKING
Introduction
- Patternmaking is a skilled trade that is related to the trades of tool and die
making and mould making, but also often incorporates elements of fine
woodworking.
- Pattern is a model of the object that is to be cast and is used for making
mould cavity.
PATTERN MATERIAL
- Each material has its own advantages, limitations, and field of application.
- Mahogany is the most commonly used material for patterns, primarily because it
is soft, light, and easy to work.
- Metal patterns are more long lasting, and do not succumb to moisture, but
they are heavier and difficult to repair once damaged.
- Wood is the most common material for pattern as it satisfies many of the
requirements.
- It is easy to work and readily available.
- Wood can be cut and fabricated into numerous forms by gluing, bending, and
carving.
- It is readily affected by moisture: it changes its shape when the moisture
dries out of it.
- It wears out quickly as a result of sand abrasion, and, if not stored properly, it
may warp badly.
- Wood used for pattern making should be free properly dried before it s used.
It should be straight- grained, free from knots, and free from excessive
sapwood.
Advantages
Disadvantages
(i) It wears out quickly due to its low resistance to sand abrasion. As such, a
wooden pattern cannot stand a long constant use.
(ii) It is very susceptible to moisture, which may lead to its warping or splitting.
This needs its careful storing in a dry place and the application of preservatives.
(iii) Its life, owing to the above reasons, is short as compared to other pattern
materials. This confines its use to such cases only when a small number of
castings are required
Fig. 1.2 wood pattern
METAL
- Metal is used when a large number of casting are desired from a pattern or
when Conditions are too severe for wooden pattern.
- Metal pattern do not change their shape when subjected to moist conditions.
- It is freedom from warping in storage.
- Metal patterns are very useful in machine moulding because of their
accuracy, durability and strength.
- Metal pattern is itself cast from a wooden pattern called MASTER PATTERN.
- When metal patterns are to be cast from master pattern double shrinkage
must be allowed.
- The common metals used for pattern making are: Cast iron, Brass, Aluminum,
White metal.
Advantages
Disadvantages
PLASTIC
- They do not absorb moisture, and are strong & dimensionally stable.
- Resistant to wear, have very smooth & light in weight.
- Has a very low solid shrinkage.
- When a plastic pattern is required, a wooden pattern which forms the mould
into which the plastic resin is poured.
- These moulds may be made of variety of material including wood, rubber,
plastics Metal or plaster of Paris.
- Two types of plastic materials are used in pattern shapes
1) Thermoplastic 2) Thermosetting
Advantages