DT GCSE Materials Vocabulary

A set of 44 vocabulary flashcards on materials for the DT GCSE exam.

Bleed proof paper

White, smooth, lightweight paper that stops ink bleeding.

Cartridge paper

Thick, textured, rough paper used for watercolor.

Layout paper

Smooth, off-white, translucent paper used for sketching.

Corrugated card

Strong, protective, insulating material used in packaging.

Duplex board

Two layers of card bonded together, stiff and lightweight, used for packaging.

Foil lined board

Stiff, oil-resistant board whose foil reflects heat, used for food containers.

Foam board

Smooth, thick, rigid material that cracks, used for models.

Hardwood

Wood from deciduous trees that takes a long time to grow.

Ash

Pale wood with a narrow grain, flexible and tough, used for sports equipment.

Beech

Pink wood with a close grain, tough, durable, and smooth.

Mahogany

Dark red wood with a close grain, cuts and polishes easily, used for furniture.

Oak

Brown wood with a straight grain, tough and durable, used for furniture.

Balsa

Pale wood with a wide spaced grain, soft and easy to form, used for models.

Softwood

Wood from coniferous trees that grow fast all year round.

Larch

Pale wood with a knotty grain, durable, easy to shape, and water resistant, used for flooring.

Pine

Pale wood with a straight grain, lightweight and easy to shape, used for construction.

Spruce

Pale wood with a straight grain, easy to shape and stains well, used for construction and furniture.

MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)

Smooth board that is easy to finish but absorbs moisture, used for kitchens.

Plywood

Thin sheets of wood glued together with grains at right angles, easy to cut, finish and stain, used for shelving and toys.

Chipboard

Compacted wood chips that are strong but water absorbent, used for flooring.

Ferrous metals

Metals that contain iron and are prone to rusting.

Low carbon steel

Grey metal that rusts easily, is ductile, and tough, used for nuts and bolts.

Cast iron

Iron that rusts easily, is brittle if thin, and can be mould casted, used for pans.

High carbon steel

Steel that does not rust easily, is hard wearing and less ductile, used for tools.

Non ferrous metals

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

Aluminum

Lightweight, strong, and ductile metal used for drink cans.

Copper

Excellent electrical conductor that welds easily, used for plumbing parts.

Tin

Soft, malleable metal used for food cans.

Zinc

Brittle, malleable metal used to galvanise steel.

Alloys

Mixtures of metals, such as brass and stainless steel.

Brass

An alloy of copper and zinc that can be cast and machined, used for musical instruments.

Stainless steel

An alloy containing chromium and nickel, hard and smooth, used for cutlery.

Thermoforming polymers

Polymers that can be heated and formed repeatedly, pliable and recyclable.

Acrylic

Hard, brittle, weather resistant material that can be cut/folded, used for baths.

HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)

Rigid material that is easily cut and formed, used for CD cases.

HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)

Stiff, strong, lightweight, flexible, and recyclable material used for pipes.

PP (Polypropylene)

Tough, flexible material used for plastic chairs.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Brittle and durable plastic used for window frames.

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

Clear, smooth, light, strong, and tough plastic used for drink bottles.

Natural textiles

Renewable and biodegradable materials, such as cotton, wool, and silk.

Synthetic fibers

Fibers made from non-renewable coal and oil, refined into polymers.

Polyester

Strong, versatile fabric that holds color.

Nylon

Shiny, water resistant fabric that is hard wearing and used for clothes and sports equipment.

Elastane

Smooth, stretchy fabric that is hard wearing and quick drying, used in swim suits.