Application Review: Pattern Making

Process:
Plastics, Metal, CNC, CAD/CAM, Hand Finishing, Dimensional Layout Spray Metal

Applicable Industries:
Aerospace, Toy Manufacturers, Medical, Sports Equipment, Automotive, Computer & Commercial Products

Procedure:
Before 1940, journeyman pattern makers were master wood workers who would be responsible for creating any possible shape out of wood. They also molded, cut, and forged.

When foundries started to use aluminum in their patterns instead of wood, the metal pattern maker was born. A lot has changed and there is much change ahead in pattern making.

Currently, pattern makers are responsible for much more than just wood or even metal. The are responsible for the following:

Plastics
Wood
Metals
Mill Operation
Welding
CNC
RTV
CAD/CAM

These are only a few of the processes and material that pattern makers are responsible for in today’s rapid prototyping industry. At Harrington Product Development Center, we can offer these services as well as secondary pattern making needs. We provide master models in plastic, metal or spray.