Edexcel GCSE Design and Technology key terms

A characteristic of a material, such as its density or ability to conduct heat or electricity, that influences its suitability for a product.

A measurable property, such as length or height, expressed using a numerical value and a unit.

A family of programmable microcontrollers made by Microchip Technology, used to control electronic products and systems.

Automated placement of electronic components at programmed positions on a printed circuit board.

A diagram in which symbols represent numbers of observations, using a key to show the value of each symbol.

A circular chart divided into sectors whose angles represent each category's share of the total.

A material that generates electrical charge when mechanically stressed and can also change shape when a voltage is applied.

An input component containing a material that generates electrical charge when mechanically stressed, making it useful for detecting impacts, vibration and changing forces.

A colouring substance mixed into a material, such as the resin used in GRP.

A construction in which additional yarns form loops or cut ends projecting from a woven base.

A drilling machine with a drill head supported above a work table, allowing controlled drilling into secured material.

The formation of small balls of tangled fibres on a fabric’s surface through wear and rubbing.

A small hole made before inserting a screw, helping to guide it and reduce the risk of splitting the timber.

A hollow length of material, commonly with a circular cross-section.

A joint about which a connected part can turn.

A basic join made by placing fabric pieces right sides together and stitching along their seam allowance.

A flat ring placed beneath a nut or fastener head to spread the clamping load over a larger area.

A weave in which each weft yarn passes alternately over and under individual warp yarns; the next row reverses the sequence.

Timber whose surfaces have been machined smooth using a planer.

Removing thin shavings with a cutting blade to flatten, smooth or reduce the dimensions of timber.

Deliberately designing a product with a limited useful life so that it will need replacing.

A view of an object looking directly down from above.

An additive that increases a polymer’s flexibility and reduces brittleness.

The ability of a material to undergo permanent deformation without breaking.

Metal supplied as a relatively thick, flat piece.

A fold in fabric, secured in position, that controls fullness and can open out to allow movement.

A manufactured board made from wood veneers glued together with neighbouring grain directions at right angles.