Design Technology (Fabrication Methods And Terminology)

Broad DT Knowledge Flashcards

Casting

Pouring molten material into a mould where it cools and solidifies into shape.

Sand Casting

Molten metal poured into a sand mould; suitable for large, complex shapes.

Die Casting

Molten metal forced into a steel mould under high pressure for high accuracy.

Injection Moulding

Molten plastic injected into a mould for mass production.

Blow Moulding

Air used to expand heated plastic into a hollow mould.

Vacuum Forming

Heated plastic sheet shaped over a mould using vacuum pressure.

Pressure Forming

Similar to vacuum forming but with added air pressure for sharper detail.

Compression Moulding

Heated material compressed in a mould to form shape.

CNC Machining

Computer-controlled cutting for high precision components.

Laser Cutting

High-energy laser cuts or engraves materials accurately.

Water Jet Cutting

High-pressure water, often with abrasive, cuts materials.

Plasma Cutting

Ionised gas used to cut conductive metals.

Extrusion

Material forced through a die to create continuous profiles.

Adhesive Bonding

Joining materials using glue or resin.

Solvent Welding

Solvent softens plastic surfaces to fuse them.

Mechanical Fastening

Joining using screws, bolts, rivets or nuts.

Riveting

Permanent mechanical fastening using rivets.

Soldering

Low-temperature metal joining using solder.

Welding

Fusion of metals using heat and sometimes filler material.

Forging

Shaping metal using compressive forces.

Anodising

Electrochemical process to thicken aluminium oxide layer.

Powder Coating

Dry powder baked onto metal for a durable finish.

Electroplating

Thin metal coating applied using electricity.

Galvanising

Coating steel with zinc to prevent corrosion.

Etching

Controlled removal of material using chemicals.

Tolerance

Allowable variation in dimensions.

Quality Control

Ensuring products meet required standards.

Quality Assurance

Systems in place to maintain consistent quality.

Batch Production

Making products in groups.

Mass Production

Continuous production of identical items.

Lean Manufacturing

Reducing waste while maximising efficiency.

Just-in-time (JIT)

Producing items only when needed.

Thermoplastic

Plastic that can be reheated and reshaped.

Thermosetting Plastic

Softens and can be shaped only once when heated.

Composite

Material made from two or more different materials.

Standardisation

Using common components across products.

Lacquering

Applying a clear or coloured protective coating.

Polishing

Smoothing a surface for aesthetic or functional reasons.

Line Bending

Heating plastic along a line to bend accurately.

Isotropic

Same properties in all directions.

Biodegradable

Material that decomposes naturally.

Smart Material

Material that responds to external stimuli.

Thermoforming Plastic

A subset of Thermoplastics specifically used for Shaping Sheets of plastic by heating and forming over or into a mould.