In sand casting, what distinguishes a split pattern from a match-plate pattern?

A split pattern is characterized by its composition of two separate parts, often referred to as halves. This design allows for easier removal of the pattern from the sand mold, which is particularly useful in intricate designs or when undercuts are present. The pieces are aligned in such a way that once the mold is formed, they can be reliably brought back together for creating a single, coherent mold cavity.

In contrast, a match-plate pattern features both halves of the pattern attached to a single plate, allowing for a more streamlined process. The alignment provided by the match-plate ensures that both sides of the mold are consistently matched up, optimizing production efficiency, especially for mass production.

Understanding the structural differences helps in selecting the appropriate pattern type based on the requirements of the casting process, such as complexity, volume of production, and material considerations. This distinguishes the two kinds of patterns in practical applications within sand casting.