Edexcel GCSE Design and Technology key terms

The amount of space inside a two-dimensional shape, measured in square units such as mm², cm² or m².

A standard range of paper sizes in which each successive size has half the area of the previous size, with dimensions rounded to whole millimetres.

The process of joining separate components to form a complete product.

A drawing showing how the components of a product fit together, either assembled or separated in an exploded view.

Equipment or software, together with related support, that helps people carry out activities they would otherwise find difficult or impossible.

A spiral drill bit that cuts into timber and carries waste chips out of the hole.

Production using machinery controlled by computers.

The use of machines and control systems to carry out operations with reduced direct human involvement.

How readily a material can be obtained in the required form, dimensions and quantity, when it is needed.

Equipment that uses reduced air pressure inside a sealed flexible bag so that outside air pressure presses materials together or against a former.

A solid length of material with a consistent cross-section, such as a rectangular bar or circular rod.

A chart using separate bars to compare categories or discrete values; bar height or length represents frequency.

A surface layer that separates a material from substances that would cause corrosion, such as water and oxygen.

A layer that restricts the passage of substances, such as moisture or oxygen, or blocks light, helping to protect packaged contents.

The ability of a material to restrict the passage of substances such as moisture or grease, or to block light.

Protection provided by a coating that separates a metal from substances such as oxygen and water.

The input connection of a bipolar transistor, through which a small controlling current flows.

Manufacture of a set number of identical products over a set period, with production able to change between batches.

A resist-dyeing technique in which wax protects selected areas of fabric from dye.

A source of electrical energy made from connected cells. In everyday language, a single packaged cell is also often called a battery.

The amount of electric charge a battery can deliver under specified conditions; it helps determine how long the battery can power a device.

An ore used to produce aluminium.

A linkage with an angled lever rotating around a fixed pivot, usually changing the direction of movement through 90°.

The amount of material allowed for the curved region of a bend so that the finished sides have the required dimensions.

The curving of a material under a load, with one side compressed and the opposite side stretched.

Specially designed and made for a particular customer.

Lathe work in which timber is held between a driving centre at the headstock and a supporting centre at the tailstock.