3.2 Specialist technical principles
In addition to the core technical principles, all students should develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the following specialist technical principles:
- selection of materials or components
- forces and stresses
- ecological and social footprint
- sources and origins
- using and working with materials
- stock forms, types and sizes
- scales of production
- specialist techniques and processes
- surface treatments and finishes.
Each specialist technical principle should be delivered through at least one material category or system. Not all of the principles outlined above relate to every material category or system, but all must be taught.
The categories through which the principles can be delivered are:
- papers and boards
- timber based materials
- metal based materials
- polymers
- textile based materials
- electronic and mechanical systems.
Selection of materials or components
In relation to at least one material category or system, students should be able to select materials and components considering the factors listed below.
Content |
Potential links to maths and science |
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Functionality: application of use, ease of working. Aesthetics: surface finish, texture and colour. Environmental factors: recyclable or reused materials. Availability: ease of sourcing and purchase. Cost: bulk buying. Social factors: social responsibility. Cultural factors: sensitive to cultural influences. Ethical factors: purchased from ethical sources such as FSC. |
Calculation of material costs. Selection and use of materials considering end of life disposal. |
Forces and stresses
In relation to at least one material category or system, students should know and understand the impact of forces and stresses and the way in which materials can be reinforced and stiffened.
Materials and objects can be manipulated to resist and work with forces and stresses
Content |
Potential links to maths and science |
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Tension, compression, bending, torsion and shear. |
Changing the magnitude and direction of forces. |
Materials can be enhanced to resist and work with forces and stresses to improve functionality
Content |
Potential links to maths and science |
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How materials can be reinforced, stiffened or made more flexible: eg lamination, bending, folding, webbing, fabric interfacing. |
Ecological and social footprint
In relation to at least one material category or system, students should have a knowledge and understanding of the ecological and social footprint left by designers.
Ecological issues in the design and manufacture of products
Content |
Potential links to maths and science |
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Deforestation, mining, drilling and farming. Mileage of product from raw material source, manufacture, distribution, user location and final disposal. That carbon is produced during the manufacture of products. |
Selecting appropriate materials. Understanding of how to choose appropriate energy sources. |
The six Rs
Content |
Potential links to maths and science |
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Reduce, refuse, re-use, repair, recycle and rethink. |
Social issues in the design and manufacture of products
Content |
Potential links to maths and science |
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Safe working conditions; reducing oceanic/atmospheric pollution and reducing the detrimental (negative) impact on others. |
Ethical factors and the social footprint of materials used in products. |
Sources and origins
In relation to at least one material category, students should know and understand the sources and origins of materials.
Content |
Potential links to maths and science |
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Primary sources of materials and the main processes involved in converting into workable forms for at least one material area.
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Life cycle assessment and recycling ie the basic principles in carrying out a life cycle assessment of a material. |
Using and working with materials
In relation to at least one material category or system, students should know and understand in addition to material properties (page 15), the factors listed below.
Properties of materials
Content |
Potential links to maths and science |
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Students must know and understand how different properties of materials and components are used in commercial products, how properties influence use and how properties affect performance. Students must know and understand the physical and mechanical properties relevant to commercial products in their chosen area as follows:
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How physical and working properties are selected related and used in commercial products when designing and making. |
The modification of properties for specific purposes
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Potential links to maths and science |
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How to shape and form using cutting, abrasion and addition
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Potential links to maths and science |
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Stock forms, types and sizes
In relation to at least one material category or system, students should know and understand the different stock forms types and sizes in order to calculate and determine the quantity of materials or components required.
Content |
Potential links to maths and science |
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Commercially available types and sizes of materials and components. Papers and boards:
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Calculation of material quantities and sizes. Calculate surface area and volume eg material requirements for a specific use. Efficient material use, pattern spacing, nesting and minimising waste. |
Scales of production
In relation to at least one material category or system, students should be able to select materials and components considering scales of production and referencing the processes listed in Specialist Techniques and processes.
Content |
Potential links to maths and science |
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How products are produced in different volumes. The reasons why different manufacturing methods are used for different production volumes:
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Specialist techniques and processes
In relation to at least one material category or system, students should know and understand the factors listed below.
The use of production aids
Content |
Potential links to maths and science |
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How to use measurement/reference points, templates, jigs and patterns where suitable. |
Scaling of drawings, working to datums. Material quantities required. |
Tools, equipment and processes
Content |
Potential links to maths and science |
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A range of tools, equipment and processes that can be used to shape, fabricate, construct and assemble high quality prototypes, as appropriate to the materials and/or components being used including: wastage, such as:
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How materials are cut shaped and formed to a tolerance
Content |
Potential links to maths and science |
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The manufacture to minimum and maximum measurements. |
Extracting information on tolerances and using it to control quality and make a prototype. |
Commercial processes
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Potential links to maths and science |
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The application and use of Quality Control to include measurable and quantitative systems used during manufacture
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Potential links to maths and science |
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Surface treatments and finishes
In relation to at least one material category or system, students should have knowledge and understanding of surface treatments and finishes.
Content |
Potential links to maths and science |
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The preparation and application of treatments and finishes to enhance functional and aesthetic properties.
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Surface treatments to inhibit corrosion and oxidation. |