1
Museum Discussion / Are wood patterns obsolete?
« on: March 31, 2017, 09:22:46 PM »
On Wednesday I visited a modern foundry with a pattern for CNJ 113. It is yet possible for them to do one off wood patterns but was informed basically that they were not really interested in that type of work or not using wood patterns. What they really wanted was a computer disc where they could 3D print the sand molds and cores. One of the people I talked to suggested that if I wanted to save costs would be to get some knowledgeable volunteer with access to the proper computer to write the program for the part.
He also went on to say that their pattern shop did not make patterns anymore, just did repairs and modifications.
I know that Jason is fully cognizant of the process of 3D sand mold printing, so what I am saying is not new to him. What I am leading to is this: is it really necessary to make wood patterns for our locomotive 11 project if they are going to be used a few times and then forever stored and never used again? I am hoping that the currently finished patterns made by Allen, Howard, and myself will be used but if we wait too long, will they be obsolete?
On my visit to the foundry, I was showed the machine that did the 3D printing and a large mold that was just done. Even though I was aware of the process, I was shocked by the precision of the mold.
I was just wondering if it would be better and cheaper and more time saving if we just went totally to the new processes to get our parts cast. Probably the only foundry that I know of that will probably continue to use the old methods is where Wayne got the castings made at the Cattail Foundry. Their choice of metals is somewhat limited.
Any more thoughts?
Bernie
Edit: It's been a while since I started a post. I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing. Thanx for moving it.
B
He also went on to say that their pattern shop did not make patterns anymore, just did repairs and modifications.
I know that Jason is fully cognizant of the process of 3D sand mold printing, so what I am saying is not new to him. What I am leading to is this: is it really necessary to make wood patterns for our locomotive 11 project if they are going to be used a few times and then forever stored and never used again? I am hoping that the currently finished patterns made by Allen, Howard, and myself will be used but if we wait too long, will they be obsolete?
On my visit to the foundry, I was showed the machine that did the 3D printing and a large mold that was just done. Even though I was aware of the process, I was shocked by the precision of the mold.
I was just wondering if it would be better and cheaper and more time saving if we just went totally to the new processes to get our parts cast. Probably the only foundry that I know of that will probably continue to use the old methods is where Wayne got the castings made at the Cattail Foundry. Their choice of metals is somewhat limited.
Any more thoughts?
Bernie
Edit: It's been a while since I started a post. I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing. Thanx for moving it.
B