Different Type of Metal Used For Pattern And Their Advantages And Disadvantages

Read: Types of Pattern Material - Application, Adavanatages And Limitation

Due to durability and smooth surface finish, the metal patterns are more popular in the casting process. There various type of metal used for the pattern. Even though hard metal such as cast iron brass, etc can be used to pattern making, the white metal and aluminium are the most commonly used. This is because they are light, corrosion resistant and can easily work on them. Moreover, the white metal have very small shrinkage, so they can be made without giving double shrinkage allowance.
The following table give the comparative characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages of different metallic pattern materials

Pattern metal	Advantages	Disadvantages
Cast iron	High strength Low cost Better machinability	High weight or density Poor resistant corrosion Brittleness
Steel	Smooth surface finish High strength	They are prone to corrosion High density
Brass	Good surface finish Corrosion and wear resistant Strong ad tough High machinability.	High density as compared to weight metals  Expensive
Bronze	Good surface finish Corrosion resistant High strength	High density  High cost
Aluminium alloys	They are soft, low density Corrosion resistant  Good surface finish Easy to shape	Low Strength Cost is high Not suitable for rough usage.  Easily damaged by sharp edge. Good care needed to storing and transportation.
Lead alloys	Good machinability Low melting point.	High cost Low strength event though it have high density