Materials Used
Typically, materials used for pattern making are wood, metal or plastics. Wax and Plaster of Paris are also used, but only for specialized applications. Mahogany is the most commonly used material for patterns, primarily because it is soft, light, and easy to work. The downside is that it wears out fast, and is prone to moisture attack. Metal patterns are more long lasting, and do not succumb to moisture, but they are heavier and difficult to repair once damaged.
Wax patterns are used in a casting process called investment casting. The main advantage of wax patterns is that it can be reused multiple times. A combination of paraffin wax, bees wax and carnauba wax is used for this purpose.
Plaster of paris is usually used in making master dies and molds, as it gains hardness quickly, with a lot of flexibility when in the setting stage.
Read more about this topic: Pattern Maker
Famous quotes containing the word materials:
“If only it were God’s will that printed and written materials have as much influence on the people as the princes and their censors fear! Considering the countless good books we have, the world would have changed for the better a long time ago.”
—Franz Grillparzer (1791–1872)
“The competent leader of men cares little for the niceties of other peoples’ characters: he cares much—everything—for the exterior uses to which they may be put.... These are men to be moved. How should he move them? He supplies the power; others simply the materials on which that power operates.”
—Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924)