750747Adaption of casting pattern design to injection mould tool design in the waClosedVouchersInnovate UKWe produce patterns & dies for the foundry industry which is experiencing falling demand due to plastics replacement of metals & imports of cast metal parts. We propose to adapt our foundry based precision die-making capabilities to tools for large, complex plastic parts. To achieve this we need to gain plastic mould tool design knowledge, particularly for large scale, thick-sectioned components which are of greatest interest to our existing customers. Plastic mould toolmakers will not share their knowledge with us as they see us as a competitor. So, our idea is to develop a prototype plastic mould tool as a case study, in conjunction with the expertise of an independent plastic mould tool designer. We have identified a large, thick-sectioned component in the water that would provide the ideal vehicle to develop the design knowhow required. Successful completion of this case study part would provide us with the design knowhow to prepare our first production plastic mould tool and enable us to attract more business in the water treatment industry.