Our CMS Ares machines take parts up to 3.6 m x 2.6 m x 0.8 m in a single setup. For large patterns and mould tools, that changes how the job is planned.

Why one piece helps

A pattern machined in one setup shares one set of datums from end to end. There are no joints between sections to fair in, no bond lines to move with temperature, and no step to chase where two machined halves meet. Accuracy is set by the machine and the inspection, not by how well the sections were lined up.

When splitting still makes sense

If a part is bigger than the envelope, deeper than 0.8 m, or easier to handle in sections, we split it. We plan the joints so they land somewhere sensible, machine each section with shared datums, and scan the assembly against your CAD before it leaves.

Checking the result

Large patterns are machined to 0.2 mm and inspected on our Creaform scanner to 0.025 mm, with a colour deviation map against your CAD on request.

More on the service: composite master patterns. Send us a STEP file for a price.