Petrus H.
Qualified Pattern Maker | 16 Years SolidWorks | Sand Casting, Foundry Methods, Inspire Cast Simulati
Johannesburg,
South Africa
Global rank:
21,184
/
147,768
Skill pts: 5
About
I am a qualified pattern maker with 16 years of SolidWorks experience, specialising in sand casting pattern design for both green sand and chemically bonded processes. My work covers the full casting method — from initial 3D pattern design through to runner and riser systems, gating layout, core boxes, and parting line definition.
Every pattern I design starts from the end result — the finished casting — and works backwards. Machining datums, stock allowances, core prints, gating and feeding are not added at the end, they are built into the design from the first line. This is not a process I follow. It is how I think.
I use Altair Inspire Cast to simulate and validate casting methods prior to pattern manufacture — confirming fill behaviour, identifying potential shrinkage porosity, and optimising riser placement before any tooling cost is committed. This gives clients confidence that the method is sound before production begins.
I have designed patterns for iron, steel, stainless, chrome alloys, brass, and bronze across mining equipment, automotive, pumps and valves, agricultural machinery, rail, and general engineering.
Beyond pattern design I bring broader manufacturing capability — machine shop experience means I understand downstream machining requirements and design casting datums and stock accordingly. I hold a qualification as an Internal ISO Auditor, giving me working knowledge of quality management systems relevant to foundry and manufacturing environments.
On the machining side I have hands-on Mastercam experience programming CNC routers for pattern production, including pattern boards, wooden patterns, foam and polystyrene patterns.
If you need someone who understands what happens after the file leaves the screen — I have stood on the foundry floor and seen it through to the casting.
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Every pattern I design starts from the end result — the finished casting — and works backwards. Machining datums, stock allowances, core prints, gating and feeding are not added at the end, they are built into the design from the first line. This is not a process I follow. It is how I think.
I use Altair Inspire Cast to simulate and validate casting methods prior to pattern manufacture — confirming fill behaviour, identifying potential shrinkage porosity, and optimising riser placement before any tooling cost is committed. This gives clients confidence that the method is sound before production begins.
I have designed patterns for iron, steel, stainless, chrome alloys, brass, and bronze across mining equipment, automotive, pumps and valves, agricultural machinery, rail, and general engineering.
Beyond pattern design I bring broader manufacturing capability — machine shop experience means I understand downstream machining requirements and design casting datums and stock accordingly. I hold a qualification as an Internal ISO Auditor, giving me working knowledge of quality management systems relevant to foundry and manufacturing environments.
On the machining side I have hands-on Mastercam experience programming CNC routers for pattern production, including pattern boards, wooden patterns, foam and polystyrene patterns.
If you need someone who understands what happens after the file leaves the screen — I have stood on the foundry floor and seen it through to the casting.
Experience
- Senior Pattern Design Engineer Self-employed · Freelance Jun 2002 – Present 24 yrs 3 mos Rustenburg, South Africa Full casting method design in SolidWorks — patterns, core boxes, runner and riser systems, gating layout and parting line definition for green sand and chemically bonded processes. Materials include iron, steel, stainless, chrome alloys, brass and bronze. Industries covered include mining equipment, automotive, pumps and valves, agricultural machinery, rail and general engineering. Casting method validation using Altair Inspire Cast. CNC router programming in Mastercam for pattern board, wooden, foam and polystyrene pattern production.
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0 followers, 0 following
Joined: September 23, 2026
Last seen: September 23, 2026
Languages
English Native or bilingual proficiency
Location
Johannesburg, South Africa