Edexcel GCSE Design and Technology key terms

A family of synthetic polymers used to make fibres, including nylon.

A strong, durable synthetic fibre with low absorbency and good crease resistance, used in clothing and household textiles.

A thermosetting resin used as the matrix in composites reinforced with glass or carbon fibres.

A polymer used in packaging laminates to resist moisture movement and help bond paperboard to aluminium foil.

A material made from long-chain molecules; plastics are examples of polymers.

The chemical process of joining monomers together to make a polymer.

A rivet set using a rivet gun, allowing a joint to be made with access from only one side.

The extent to which a product, style or material is liked or wanted.

How easily a power source can be carried or moved with a product, without needing a fixed supply connection.

The energy transferred per unit of electric charge between two points in a circuit, also called voltage. Its symbol is $V$ and its unit is the volt (V).

A circuit with two resistances in series across a supply, providing an output voltage from their junction. Changing their relative resistances changes this voltage.

A possible future situation used to explore design needs; it is a possibility to investigate, not an established prediction.

Finely divided polymer particles used as feedstock for processes such as rotational moulding.

Applying dry polymer powder to a surface and heating it to produce a continuous, hardened coating.

Manufacturing metal components from powder, commonly by compacting it in a die and then heating it to bond the particles.

A number written as ten raised to an exponent. For example, $10^3 = 1000$ and $10^{-3} = 0.001$.

The rate at which a source supplies energy, measured in watts (W).

The maximum power a component can safely dissipate under its specified operating conditions, measured in watts (W).

A word or symbol placed before a unit to indicate a multiplying factor. For example, kilo means $10^3$, so one kilometre equals 1000 metres.

An amount charged above a reference price to reflect factors such as processing, material grade or delivery terms.

Applying controlled heat and pressure, sometimes with steam, to flatten seams or establish folds during textile construction.

A beam in which internal stresses are deliberately introduced before its working load is applied, to counteract stresses caused by that load.

Production of metal from ore rather than by remelting existing metal.

An initial coating that prepares a surface so that subsequent paint coats adhere properly.

How suitable a material’s surface is for receiving clear, consistent printed text or images.

An insulating board with conductive tracks and pads that support electronic components and connect them into a circuit.

A board with conducting tracks and connection pads that connect and support electronic components.