Abstract: This paper discusses laser direct manufacturing metallic patterns for sand mould based on laser cladding technology.The fundamental principle and characteristics of this rapid manufacturing (RM) technology are introduced.According to analysis of the structure and working condition of metallic pattern for sand mould,it is demonstrated that this RM technology would make great contributions to fabrication of this pattern.In practice,to acquire lightweight products and to decrease consumption in the procedure,corresponding measures are put forward to improve the process of laser cladding.Finally,it is indicated that lightweight patterns would be produced in low-consumption procedures while the relative techniques and their integration being advanced enough.