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Flexibility in terms of material and process has enabled a prototype foundry tooling specialist company in the UK to stay the distance and embrace a new world of customer needs.

With seven large Haas and Correa CNC machines (vertical and horizontal) that run 24/7 cutting a variety of tooling boards and metals, Midas Pattern Company Ltd is able to satisfy customer needs swiftly and to the highest standards. Managing director Alan Rance explains: “We have an all hours policy and our machines often run unattended and with the lights out to ensure that we can design, machine and finish prototype patterns and tools in just a few days.”

The commitment to working closely with customers has always been an important part of the culture at Midas where Rance and his team of highly skilled individuals have adapted to market conditions and invested in the relevant software and equipment to offer a wide range of services.

With an established track record, Midas is able to work with whatever methods foundries have in place. “Midas has been in the business of supplying the highest quality prototype foundry tooling for 27 years now. We can model up parts from 2D drawings or simply add draft to CAD models that don’t have it in order to start machining ASAP,” Rance told Foundry Trade Journal. “We are happy to custom fit or CNC machine running and gating systems to the customer’s exact specifications. Customers now require patterns to be commenced, made and finished within a week or two and we have all the CAD/CAM and CNC facilities to make this happen and lead times have never been shorter.

“In addition we still maintain a large traditional patternshop where we complete CNC machined patterns and undertake traditional repairs, renovations and modifications of traditionally made equipment.”

Midas also encompases a range of prototype and production PU moulding solutions which are ideally suited to the development of high value, innovative equipment. The Bedford-based company supplies prototype mouldings in production materials through to higher volumes, all of which are moulded in Midas’ unique, low cost, composite tooling.

The ISO 9001:2008 accredited company is constantly investing in its people and its facilities to ensure that traditional skills are matched with the latest technology to ease the supply process for all concerned. The latest addition is the introduction of two new ‘Optimum’ toolroom lathes to replace older equipment.

Supporting a range of industries through new product development cycles, from concept development through prototype creations and onto long-term production, Midas has never lost sight of its origins in foundry tooling and continues to place high importance on this aspect of the business today.

“We are known for helping customers meet challenging project deadlines,” Rance said. Indeed why wouldn’t companies trust an experienced specialist keen to meet the deadline – whether the lights are on or off?

Midas Pattern Company Ltd, 22 Shuttleworth Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire MK41 0RX, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1234 358394, web: www.midas-pattern.co.uk