George is Our Special Apprentice

In 2004 the Directors of Special Patterns decided to begin a program of employing a new apprentice each year, to be trained in the skills of engineering pattern making in both tradional and new technology.

This commitment was seen as vital to to both the companies future as well as the flow on benefit to engineering and manufacturing in this country.

Early this year our first apprentice, George Haidarwho started in early 2005, successfully completed his apprentice with honors. At a ceremony hosted by Chisholm Institute, George was awarded Best Apprentice Level 3 Certificate 3 in Engineering.

Special Patterns are very proud of his achievements both at trade school and at work where he has shown he was both keen to learn and also quick to learn. He has enjoyed the varying nature of the work that we do.

Congratulations George

December 2007 News Release

"Flirt" Launched & Flying

In March this year Special Patterns became involved with Steve Campbell's business, Composite Constructions constructing the female deck and hull moulds for Chris Dare's new Corby IRC 49 grand prix ocean racer "FLIRT".

Working with Steve, SP developed an innovative method to build female moulds that helped achieve savings in labour and time in the construction process.

FLIRT out on her second day of testing sails

SP also provided NC machining services for patterns and moulds for the rudder, keel fin, keel bulb and steering wheels as well as CAD design assistance. The finished product is a credit to Chris's vision, John's design and the expertise of Steve's build team.

In her first race the "Cock of the Bay" on Boxing Day, Flirt claimed line honours.

To view more photos, visit John Corby's website at:

Photos http://gallery.mac.com/jcboats#100290&bgcolor=black  

Photos http://gallery.mac.com/jcboats#100301&bgcolor=black  

Movie (has music) http://gallery.mac.com/jcboats#100305

November 2007 News Release

"For Now and Forever" in McClelland Sculpture Awards

Michael Doolan is a renowned ceramic artist and lecturer in ceramics at Monash University and has inspired several lager than life works which Special Patterns has had the joy of helping Michael create.

His latest work is know by us as Flower Girl and is being exhibited at the McClelland Sculpture Park in Langwarrin and is in the running for the McClelland Prize for Sculpture. Another recently completed work is on display in the foyer of KPMG in Melbourne

February 2007 News Release

New 5-axis CNC machine Installed

Special Patterns installed and commissioned it's 6th CNC machine, a CMS Sintesey 5 axis which will specialize in cutting foam patterns and significantly expanding our capabilities. For more info, click here

December 2006 News Release

Quality Management System

After several months of working through the standard and putting in place and refining management and production systems, SAI Global conducted a certification audit of Special Patterns and was completed successfully.

SAI Global's auditor recommended that the the certification of Special Patterns to AS/NZS 9001:2000 proceed.

On the 12th December 2006 Special Patterns received it's certification.

Special Patterns would like to thank all their staff for their support and input in this achievement and to TME Business Services for their guidance.

September 2006 News Release

Quality Management System

Soon after moving Special Patterns took the next step in our planning to gain

Quality Certification for AS/NZS 9001:2000.

Quality Policy Statement

Special Patterns (Vic) Pty Ltd specializes in the manufacture of high tech patterns and tooling to client requirements in all areas of industry.

Our objectives are to provide the best quality products that will satisfy or exceed our clients’ expectations, at a price that will enable us and our clients to remain profitable and competitive in our respective markets.

It is the policy of Special Patterns (Vic) Pty Ltd to use the guiding principles of ISO 9001: 2000 on which to base our Quality Management System.

Our Quality Principles

• To provide a safe and pleasant working environment for staff and customers alike.
• To always strive for total customer satisfaction whilst searching for ways of improving even this high level of satisfaction.
• Initially Assessing Suppliers and Service Providers to ensure that the company has chosen wisely in using Suppliers who can be relied upon.
• Developing a close relationship with both Clients and Suppliers to form a mutual understanding and trust of each other’s expectations.
• For everything we do to be properly planned and carried out from the beginning, leaving nothing to chance.
• Regular review of our measurable objectives and performance in meeting those objectives will be the key to continuous improvement in all we do.

Dated this 29th day of August 2006        

Peter O’Connor              Campbell Myles                  Rod Hutson  

      Director                         Director                           Director

Our Certification Audits are due to be completed before Christmas

June 2006 News Release

We have moved!

18 months ago the directors of Special Patterns committed to continue to expand their capabilities and the first step was to create a environment that would allow them to expand now and into the future. This first step was to construct a purpose built factory.

After meticulous planning and attention to detail, construction began in early 2006 and in early June we moved into and began operating from our new home.

Our new home 16-June 2006

Our new contact numbers are:

Phone: 8587 4800

Fax:      8587 4899

Our new location is:

19-21 Lakewood Blvd,

Braeside, Victoria. 3195

Map 88 B12

November 2005 News Release

"White Ape" wins 1st prize

The $100,000 McClelland Award for contemporary sculpture was won by Melbourne born artist, Lisa Roet for her entry "White Ape"

Austrailias richest prize for sculpture was  announced by media magnate Rupert Murdoch accompanied by his mother and gallery benefactor, Dame Elizabeth Murdoch. 35 Artist were vying for the converted prize.

Special Patterns are proud to have been involved in this project providing solutions and CNC machining expertise to match the scale of the artwork, which when finished stands over 2 meters high.

Visit the McClelland Gallery for more info.

October 2005 News Release

Special Patterns this month took delivery of our new CMS 5-axis CNC machine adding to our already significant capabilities. With X-2600, Y-1500 & Z-1000, we are able to cater for a large range of jobs in foams, plastics and other mediums.

Into action from the first days, it's speed and accuracy is impressive and allows us to take on the most complex of jobs.

For technical info click here

February 2005 News Release

Queen’s Baton Relay February 10, 2005

Australian Prime Minister John Howard has unveiled the baton that will carry Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s message to the athletes from Buckingham Palace to the Opening Ceremony of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.

The revolutionary baton contains state-of-the-art technical features, including two tiny ‘baton cam’ cameras, a microphone and a global positioning system to track the baton’s location at all times.

The Prime Minister also announced the international route and itinerary for the baton’s epic journey across all 71 nations of the Commonwealth. When the relay begins in London on 14 March 2005, visitors to this web site will be able to track the baton’s progress and view ‘baton cam’ web casts.

Special Patterns expertise was used to make the baton's casting pattern, used by the foundry to make the mould to cast the magnesium baton spine.

Special Patterns also took the designers CAD data and using our state of the art CNC machines, milled the polyurethane foam used to form the core of the baton stand.

Special Patterns are proud of their involvement in the making of both the baton and the baton stand.

Read More...

Premiers Office Press release-Queens Baton Relay

December 2004 News Release

Special Patterns have been a supplier of light tooling and checking fixtures to Plexicor Australia for nearly a decade.

Our quality and service where recognized at this years Christmas dinner when we were awarded Plexicor Australia's "Supplier Excellence Award for 2004"

Special Patterns are very honored to receive this award and are very proud of our association with Plexicor Australia, a leading supplier to the major car makers in Australia.

April 2004 News Release

Over the last ten years, Special Patterns have invested heavily in leading edge technology with the installation of CNC machining centers and powerful Silicon Graphics CAD/CAM workstations to be a leader in our field. In 2004, we are raising the bar again!

Increased Capacity

In early January 2004, two new state of the art CNC machining centers were installed. For large projects we have doubled our capacity with the installation of a second Hartford HB-3210SP. We are also increasing our job size ability by the installation of a new generation Hartford Mercury 1600 to complement our existing Hartford HV-80

Accuracy, Quality and Reporting

Each CNC machining center are fitted with Renishaw MP10 measuring probes supported by Inspection Plus software providing:Accuracy in set up, Accuracy in machining, Inspection of jobs and Comprehensive Dimensional Reports.

Reduced Delivery Times

With our increased capacity, project delivery times will be substantially reduced. A multiple angle milling head can be used to do undercuts without changing set ups. Our Renishaw equipment will further improve delivery times by reducing set up and inspection times. This will save you time in the vital developmental stage and enable you to meet tight production deadlines. Working Together

Special Patterns have worked closely with our clients in the development of new products to provide economical solutions to tooling and the production of parts. Be they prototypes for testing and evaluation, checking fixtures through to full production tooling requirements, Special Patterns can do it.

The Future

Special Patterns remain committed to providing our clients with competitive pricing and quality workmanship delivered on time.