Pattern shop

Creating a pattern is a crucial step of the manufacturing process. A pattern is a reproduction of the part you want to cast. The pattern is used to imprint a sand mold into which cast iron is poured. It is very important to have a good model since the quality of the casting is influenced by the quality of the pattern.

With the aim of providing a well-rounded service to our clientele, Laroche Foundry foundry is endowed with a dedicated patternmaking facility. Our highly qualified team possesses years of experience and can manufacture a vast array of patterns from your drawings and specifications. Speed is undoubtedly the main advantage of owning a patternmaking facility. We can repair or modify your patterns more quickly, which in turn significantly reduces production lead times. Each pattern is entirely adapted to our processes and is designed for a chosen specific casting method, in addition to taking into account the requirements regarding the quality of the castings and the numbers of parts required annually. Wood, aluminum and different types of plastic are the preferred materials when it comes to pattern production. Each material offers key advantages.

Wood

Ideal for smaller runs. Wood is an inexpensive material, but is much less resistant than other types of materials. Patterns made of wood will have a shorter life span than other materials, usually only being able to mold a few hundrer parts.

Plastic

For medium production, the plastic model generally offers good value. The pattern will have a good surface quality. Patterns made of plastic can form a more complex structure than wood, in addition to offering a good deformation resistance. Plastic pattern can be used to make thousands of molded parts.

Aluminum

Aluminum should be favoured for larger production runs. Its higher cost is justified by its longer life span, its very good surface quality and its resistance. Aluminum patterns are often used on the automatic molding line. 

Once your order has been completed, Laroche Foundry offers you the option to store your pattern for future production runs. Each pattern is assigned a unique number and is stowed in a locker for quick and seamless retrieval. Since those models are the client’s property, they will never be used for another company.