MATERIALS RESEARCH AN INTRODUCTION V. Ryan © 2001-2010 |
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All projects involve the use of materials whether they are electronic components or resistant materials OR a combination of both. The information on the following sheets is useful as a reference only. You should never copy large ‘chunks’ of text straight into your projects. You should emphasise the materials you think will be useful for your project and all information must be in your own words. |
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One of the best ways to collect research on materials is to carry out tests / experiments that will reflect their use in your project. Remember to add notes explaining your findings and even add drawings which represent the tests. |
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For example, if your know that the materials required for
your project will need to be hardwearing, devise a test and try out several
possible materials. You could ‘file’ a range of materials and mark / grade
each of then according to their resistance. |
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PDF FILE - CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE EXERCISE BASED ON RICH PICTURE BELOW The rich picture below shows the wide range of facts and issues relating to materials research that need to be considered when designing a product. This type of presentation could be the first page of materials research for your design project. It clearly shows that you have an understanding of facts and issues relating to materials. |
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CLICK ON THE PICTURES OF MATERIALS BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION |
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MANMADE BOARDS |
NATURAL WOODS |
METALS |
PLASTICS |
SMART MATERIALS POLYMORPH - SHAPING BY HAND |
SMART MATERIALS POLYMORPH - USING A MOULD |
SMART MATERIALS SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS PAGE 1 |
SMART MATERIALS SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS PAGE 2 |
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CLICK HERE FOR MATERIALS KNOWLEDGE EXERCISE | |
FURTHER INFORMATION |
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Research into the type of materials to use for your project is very important. Without a knowledge of materials and how they can be machined, cut and shaped, it will be very difficult to select the right material for your product / design. When you know a little about a variety of materials you will be able to decide for yourself, which materials best suit the type of product your are wanting to design and manufacture. You can research materials by using the internet, looking in books, especially Design Technology books. However, the best way is experimenting with a selection of materials in the workshop. |
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Two sample materials research
sheets are shown below. They include research on a range of woods, metals
and plastics. 1. Clearly identify the type of materials you are researching on the sheet. The example shown below clearly shows that woods and metals have been researched. A following sheet includes metals and plastics. 2. Always label the material clearly and if abbreviations such as MDF are mentioned, also include the full name (ie. Medium Density fibre Board) 3. Explain the main properties of each material. For example, is it tough ? is it flexible ? Does it come in a range of colours ? Is it easy to cut and shape ? etc.... 4. Include technical terms such as ductility, toughness, hardness, malleability, plasticity, elasticity, strength, and conductivity. 5. It is very important to state whether or not the material is suitable for your project. Do not just list facts about the material, you must always mention suitability for your design / product. Use terms such as; it is suitable for my project, may be considered for use in my project, probably not suitable etc..... and say why it is either suitable or not. 6. Select a range of materials from metals, woods, plastics, textiles, paper/card and any others such as glass, rubber and modelling materials etc... 7. On each research page write a summary of the information you have presented. See the example below. 8. Do not forget that you need to make a model / prototype before manufacturing the real product. You may need to research a range of modelling materials such as styrofoam or foam board. 9. Look around you. What materials do you like the look and feel of ? |
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PDF FILE - CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE MATERIALS RESEARCH SHEETS | |
SUMMARY |
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GUIDELINES: |
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CLICK HERE FOR ALTERNATIVE LAYOUT TO A MATERIALS RESEARCH SHEET | |
CLICK HERE FOR DESIGN PROCESS INDEX PAGE | |
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