GCSE Design and Technology Revision

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the AQA GCSE Design and Technology course.

Physical properties

Characteristics inherent to a material, such as metals being good conductors of electricity.

Working properties

How a material responds to use in a certain environment, like steel being malleable when heated.

Hardness

The ability to resist abrasions and indentation through impact.

Toughness

The ability to absorb energy through shock without fracturing.

Malleability

The ability to deform under compression without cracking, splitting, or tearing.

Ductility

The ability to be stretched out or drawn into a thin strand without snapping.

Elasticity

The ability to return to its original shape after being compressed or stretched.

GSM

Grams per square meter, a measurement of paper thickness.

Softwood

Timber from coniferous trees, generally faster-growing and less expensive.

Coniferous

Leaves are on the tree all round

Hardwood

Timber from deciduous trees, typically takes longer to grow and is more expensive.

Deciduous

Leaves drop in winter

Manufactured timber

Man made boards, made from waste wood eg MDF, plywood, chipboard, hart board, blockboard.

Ferrous metal

A metal that contains iron.

Non-ferrous metal

A metal that does not contain iron.

Alloy

A mixture of a pure metal and at least one other element.

Veneer

A thin layer of wood applied to a surface for aesthetic improvement.

What are synthetic plastics made from

Oil (crude oil), natural gas and coal

Natural plastics

Amber or rubber

Thermoforming plastics

Flexible plastics that can be repeatedly heated and shaped, pliable, flexible.

Thermosetting plastics

Rigid plastics that, once set, cannot be reshaped, hard, durable, good structure.

Natural textiles

Wool (absorbs dye and vapour easily, retains heat, naturally crease resistant), silk(drapes nicely, retains shape, good lustre), cotton (highly absorbent, strong, durable, shrinks, poor elasticity)

Synthetic textiles

polyester/nylon(hardwearing, strong, non-absorbent, washes well, easy to blend), Polycotton( durable, lightweight, soft, moisture absorbing), lycra (highly elastic, strong, hardwearing)

Ergonomics

The science of how humans interact with objects, focusing on efficiency and comfort.

Anthropometrics

The measurement of physical properties of the human body.

Isometric drawing

A method of visually representing three-dimensional objects in two dimensions.

Mass production

Manufacturing large volumes of products using assembly lines.

One off

A single product or unit is made. Normally made to a clients requirements

Batch

Many items of the same product are produced.

Continuous production

Production that takes place continuously, 24/7.

Felling

The process of cutting down a tree.

Recycling

The process of properly disposing of products so they can be reused or recycled.

Manufactured timber

Man-made boards created from waste wood and resin.