Paper
Less than 200gsm
Example of a paper
Cartridge paper
Board
Over 200gsm and measured in microns
Example of a board
Foil lined board
Thermoforming polymer
A polymer without any cross links, so it can be reheated and reshaped
Example of a thermoforming polymer
Acrylic
Thermosetting polymer
A polymer with cross links, preventing it from being reheated and reshaped. It burns when heated
Example of thermosetting polymer
Epoxy resin
Elastomer
A type of poly,er with weak intermolecular forces, allowing it to be easily deformed and return to its original shape
Example of elastomer
Natural rubber and silicone
Hardwood
Wood from a deciduous tree with a tight grain, causing it to be dense and heavy
Example of hardwood
Oak
Softwood
Wood from a coniferous tree with a loose grain pattern, causing it to be lighter than a hardwood
Example of softwood
Spruce
Manufactured board
A wood made from gluing scraps of wood together, not natural and cheaper than other types of wood
Example of manufactured board
MDF
Ferrous metals
Metals that contain iron, allowing them to be magnetic, hard and strong, but susceptible to rust
Example of ferrous metal
Cast iron
Non ferrous metal
Metals that contain no iron, preventing rust but are not magnetic or as hard and strong.
Example of non ferrous metal
Copper
Ceramics
Inorganic and non metallic material that is hardened when fired, allowing it to be a good insulator, hard and strong but brittle
Uses of ceramics
Kitchenware, electronics and biomedical applications
Composite material
Material made of two or more different materials, designer to have properties that are superior to those of the individual components
Example of a composite material
Glass reinforced plastic (GRP)
Smart material
A material that changes property in reaction to a stimuli
Example of a smart material
Thermochromic pigment
Modern material
An engineered material created within the last 50 years
Example of a modern material
Kevlar