Pattern Making
Pattern making companies in the GTMA supplier directory provide patterns, tooling, and model making services for the UK foundry and engineering industries. Pattern making is a skilled trade combining traditional craftsmanship with modern CNC machining and CAD design, and remains a crucial first step in the casting process.
UK Pattern Makers
Browse GTMA member pattern making companies below. View individual profiles for capabilities and to make direct contact.
Browse Pattern Making supplier details below:
Langstone Engineering Ltd
- HampshireWe are a 45-strong team of engineering problem-solvers, helping you thrive by meeting your specification and requirements for a broad range of precision-manufactured parts and projects. We challenge convention to…
Faulkner Moulds
- West YorkshireGTMA Featured Company Toolmaker of the Year – 2019, 2018 & 2016 Faulkner Moulds has over 35 years’ experience of quality precision toolmaking and product and tool design. We are…
R-Winter Tooling
- KentR Winter Tooling is a modern design & engineering business based in Rochester, Kent. The main aspect of R-Winter Tooling is production machining, specializing in high tolerance components. With our…
Robinson Pattern Equipment Ltd
- West MidlandsRobinson Pattern Equipment Ltd was established in 1968 to offer a traditional Pattern Making service to the foundry industry. Over the years, this base has been expanded to provide a service…
Arthur Jackson & Co Ltd
- West YorkshireArthur Jackson & Co Ltd is a manufacturer of high precision patterns, dyes and other types of tooling in metal, resin and wood. Established over 70 years ago, the company…
3D Tooling Technologies
- West Midlands3D Tooling Technologies mission statement is to provide quality from design through to on-time delivery. Established in 2009, 3D Tooling Technologies Limited utilises the years of experience and combination of…
HCM Engineering Ltd
- West MidlandsWho we are Established in 1969 HCM Engineering Limited is a independent, privately owned company situated in the UK's Industrial West Midlands. We have the experience and traditional crafts in…
Alphateq Ltd
- WarwickshireAlphateq combines traditional skills and advanced technologies in order to provide exceptional facilities and expertise for the design and manufacture of tooling and fixtures for a wide range of industrial…
Allwick Patterns Ltd
- KentAllwick Patterns Ltd – Engineering Patternmakers in Sittingbourne Kent Established in 1982, Allwick Patterns Ltd has offered 40 years of service and become a reputable and respected pattern making company.…
Dudley Associates Ltd
- LeicestershireDudley Associates: Precision Tools and Plastic Injection Moulding. Founded in 1991, Dudley Associates has a very extensive and successful history specialising in Product Design and Development, Rapid Prototyping, Tool-Making, Plastic Injection-…
Gravutex Eschmann International Ltd
- DerbyshireProviding customers with specially designed surface textures, patterns and logos to compliment the design and functionality of their plastic/rubber components and steel/aluminium tools across a diverse range of industries from…
Westfield Patterns
- CambridgeshireWestfield Patterns is a Peterborough based Master Pattern Makers, founded in 1988, that is providing high quality patternmaking to a wide range of industries to local and national clients.
Scott Tools Limited
- BerkshireScott Tools are a progressive, forward thinking mould tool design and manufacturing company operating out of a modern, well-equipped industrial unit in the south of England. Using the latest product…
What is Pattern Making in Engineering?
A pattern is a model or replica of the object to be cast, used to form the mould cavity in the casting process. Engineering pattern makers work to fine tolerances and must account for metal shrinkage as castings cool, machining allowances, and draft angles to allow clean release from the moulding sand or tool.
UK pattern making companies typically produce:
- Foundry patterns in wood, resin, and metal for sand casting
- Core boxes and match plates
- Patterns and tooling for investment and shell casting processes
- Vacuum forming and composite lay-up tooling
- Master models and prototypes for product development
Patterns are closely linked to the forgings and castings supply chain, and most GTMA pattern makers work directly with UK foundries on both one-off and production pattern equipment.
Applications of Pattern Making
Pattern making services support casting production across automotive, rail, construction, energy, and defence. Large-scale pattern work is also central to the marine sector, where propellers, engine components, and structural castings all begin life as precision patterns. In addition to pattern making, the GTMA directory includes companies offering model making for the initial stages of a build.
Benefits of Working with UK Pattern Making Companies
- Decades of accumulated foundry knowledge, with many members trading for 40 years or more
- Modern CNC pattern machining combined with traditional hand skills
- Materials expertise across wood, resin board, aluminium, and steel
- Direct collaboration with UK foundries, reducing casting defects and rework
- Fast turnaround for pattern repairs and modifications
Pattern Making FAQs
A pattern making company designs and manufactures the patterns, core boxes, and associated tooling used to create moulds for metal casting. Patterns replicate the shape of the final component, adjusted for shrinkage and machining allowances, and can be produced in wood, resin, or metal depending on production volume.
Low-volume and prototype patterns are typically made from timber or polyurethane resin board. Higher-volume production patterns are made from aluminium, cast iron, or steel to withstand repeated moulding cycles. GTMA pattern makers advise on the most cost-effective material for your expected casting quantities.
Every dimensional error in a pattern is transferred to every casting produced from it. Pattern makers must also build in contraction allowances, since molten metal shrinks as it cools, plus machining allowances and draft angles. Precision at the pattern stage prevents costly scrap and rework at the foundry.
Yes. Modern UK pattern making companies combine CAD design and CNC machining with traditional bench skills. CNC machining of resin board and aluminium delivers highly accurate patterns quickly, while hand finishing ensures surface quality and fine detail.
GTMA’s supplier directory lists accredited UK pattern making companies with profiles covering their materials, capacity, and sectors served. Browse the members listed above and contact them directly to discuss your casting or tooling project.
GTMA is the Gauge and Tool Makers Association – a UK trade association connecting engineering buyers with accredited pattern making companies, engineering pattern makers, and foundry tooling specialists.
Manufacturing Resource Centre, Adams Way, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 6PU