The Challenge

Kingston University design student Benny approached Maybrey Precision Castings with an innovative aluminium door handle concept that formed part of his final-year project. Having already produced a 3D printed prototype complete with the appropriate draft angles for sand casting, the initial objective was to manufacture a sample casting to validate the design.

Following the successful sample, Benny wanted to progress to a production-ready solution. As a student working within a limited budget, commissioning a professionally manufactured pattern was not financially viable, so he made the decision to manufacture the pattern himself at the Kingston University workshop.

To achieve a fully functional casting, the door handle required a hollow section at one end to accommodate the fixing mechanism. This introduced an additional level of complexity, requiring not only a pattern but also a correctly designed core box and core print arrangement to produce and accurately locate the sand core within the mould.

Our Solution

Working closely with Benny throughout the project, our technical team provided guidance at every stage of the tooling design process. Through a series of video calls, we discussed the complete pattern design, including impression layout, moulding box size, pattern orientation and the overall setup required for successful production.

Particular attention was given to the design of the core box and core prints. We explained how the positive core print on the pattern and the corresponding negative feature within the core box would accurately locate the sand core during mould assembly, ensuring the finished casting incorporated the required hollow section.

Using this guidance, Benny produced the complete pattern and core box design in CAD before submitting it to Maybrey Precision Castings for technical review and approval. Once approved, the tooling was manufactured at the Kingston University workshop.

Collaboration and Delivery

With the tooling complete, Benny visited our foundry in Aylesford, where he experienced the complete sand-casting process first-hand. Working alongside our experienced foundry team, he was shown each stage of production, from mould preparation and pattern setup through to core placement, aluminium melt preparation and the pouring of the moulds.

This collaborative approach enabled Benny to see how design decisions made during the development phase directly influenced the manufacturing process, providing valuable practical experience that cannot be gained in a classroom environment alone.

The Result

The finished aluminium castings met the design requirements and demonstrated a successful transition from concept, through tooling design, to completed cast components.

Benny was delighted with the finished door handles, which were exhibited at Kingston University's end-of-year showcase. The quality of his project led to his selection to exhibit at the prestigious New Designers Show in London, where emerging designers from across the UK present their work to industry professionals.

This project demonstrates Maybrey Precision Castings' commitment to supporting innovation and developing the next generation of engineers and product designers. By sharing our technical expertise and working collaboratively throughout the design and manufacturing process, we helped transform a student's concept into a professionally manufactured product ready for national exhibition.

Whether restoring history, supporting innovation or creating something entirely new, Maybrey Precision Castings combines traditional foundry craftsmanship with modern engineering expertise to turn ambitious ideas into exceptional castings.