Materials in Product Design

Flashcards for reviewing key vocabulary and concepts related to materials used in Product Design.

Malleability

The ability of a material to be reshaped in all directions without cracking.

Toughness

The ability of a material to absorb sudden shock without breaking or shattering.

Hardness

The ability of a material to resist scratching, wear and tear, and indentation.

Conductivity

The ability of a material to conduct electricity or heat.

Corrosion Resistance

The ability of a material to withstand deterioration or damage caused by chemical reactions with the environment.

Thermal Conductivity

The ability of a material to conduct heat.

Electrical Conductivity

The ability of a material to conduct electricity.

Ferrous Metals

Metals that contain iron and are magnetic, such as low carbon steel and cast iron.

Non-Ferrous Metals

Metals that do not contain iron, such as aluminum, copper, and gold.

Alloys

A mixture of two or more metals, or a metal combined with one or more elements.

Hardwoods

Timber obtained from deciduous trees, such as oak, mahogany, and beech.

Softwoods

Timber obtained from coniferous trees, such as pine and cedar.

Composites

Materials made from two or more constituent materials that have significantly different physical or chemical properties.

Smart Materials

Materials that change their properties in response to external stimuli.

Thermoplastics

Polymers that become pliable or moldable above a specific temperature and solidify upon cooling.

Thermosetting Polymers

Polymers that permanently set when heated and cannot be remolded.

Elastomers

A category of polymers that have viscoelasticity and can stretch significantly.

Die Cutting

A manufacturing process that uses a die to shear material into specific shapes.

Laser Cutting

A technology that uses a laser to cut materials into desired shapes.

Injection Moulding

A manufacturing process for producing parts by injecting molten material into a mold.

Laminating

The process of bonding layers of material together to enhance mechanical performance and aesthetics.

Foil Blocking

A technique where a metallic foil is pressed onto a surface to create a visually appealing finish.

Digital Printing

A method of printing from a digital-based image directly to a variety of media.

Screen Printing

A printing technique that uses a mesh to transfer ink onto a substrate.

Flexographic Printing

A printing process that uses flexible relief plates to print on a variety of substrates.

Offset Lithography

A printing technique based on the process of transferring ink from a plate to a rubber blanket and then to the printing surface.

3D Printing

A process of creating a three-dimensional object from a digital file by layering materials.

Biodegradable Polymers

Polymers that decompose through the action of living organisms.

Sustainable Materials

Materials that are produced in a manner that is environmentally friendly and can be maintained or renewed.

Case Hardening

A process of hardening the surface of a metal while allowing the metal beneath to remain soft.

Heat Treatment

A process of heating and cooling metals in order to change their physical and sometimes chemical properties.

CNC Milling

A machine tool used for machining materials by removing material from a workpiece through rotary cutters.

Piezoelectric Materials

Materials that generate an electric charge in response to mechanical stress.