Eduqas GCSE Design and Technology key terms

The process of building a physical object by adding material layer by layer, as in 3D printing.

A connection made using an adhesive that bonds the surfaces of materials together.

A characteristic affecting a product’s appearance or sensory appeal, such as colour, transparency, texture or surface finish.

The visual and sensory qualities of a product, including its colour, texture and gloss.

A heat treatment that increases the strength and hardness of suitable alloys through solution treatment, quenching and ageing.

Extra material deliberately included for a manufacturing process, such as joining or finishing.

A mixture of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal, made to obtain useful properties.

A circuit that increases the size of a varying electrical signal using energy from a power supply.

An electrical signal that can vary continuously over a range of values.

A logic gate whose output is HIGH only when all its inputs are HIGH.

A controlled heat treatment used to soften a metal and make it easier to shape.

An explanatory note attached to a drawing or image that communicates a feature, decision, reason or proposed improvement.

The measurement of human bodies, including dimensions such as height, hand size and reach, used to inform product sizes and proportions.

The ability to prevent or reduce a build-up of static electrical charge.

Resistance to the build-up of static electrical charge.

Decoration made by sewing or bonding cut pieces of material onto a background fabric.

A system of standard paper sizes in which each successive size is approximately half the area of the preceding size, while keeping the same proportions.

Fitting components together to make a complete product or working system.

A timing circuit with no stable output state that repeatedly switches between high and low outputs.

The use of machines or control systems to carry out processes with less human intervention.

A reference mark used to match corresponding points on fabric pieces during assembly.

Making a set number of identical products within a given timescale, before moving on to another batch.

A method of resist dyeing in which wax is applied to fabric before dyeing, protecting the waxed areas from the dye.

A device that stores energy chemically and supplies electricity through chemical reactions.

Decoration made by attaching beads to a textile surface.

A system in which a moving belt transmits rotary motion between pulleys on separate shafts.

Curving under a load, usually with one side stretched in tension and the opposite side compressed.