Eduqas GCSE Design and Technology key terms

A material made from long-chain molecules; plastics are polymer-based materials.

A process in which heated metal is dipped into polymer powder, which melts onto the surface to form a plastic coating.

The chemical process in which monomers join together to form polymers.

A thermoplastic, also called polycaprolactone or PCL, that softens in hot water, can be moulded and becomes rigid on cooling.

A stack of alternating wet handmade paper sheets and couching felts, ready for pressing.

Two resistances connected in series across a supply, with an output taken from their junction relative to 0 V, providing a fraction of the supply voltage.

A process in which electrostatically attracted powder is sprayed onto a surface and heated to form a continuous coating.

Personal protective equipment worn to reduce exposure to hazards, such as eye or hearing protection.

Work carried out before printing to prepare the artwork and printing information.

A paint that combines a decorative protective coating with preservative ingredients to help protect timber against biological deterioration, such as wood-rotting fungi.

A process in which a heated polymer sheet is placed over a mould and pressed onto it to take its shape.

Information collected first-hand for an investigation, such as the designer's own interviews, observations or measurements.

A preparatory coating that helps a suitable topcoat adhere to a material and can help seal its surface.

For a balanced body, the total clockwise moment about a pivot equals the total anticlockwise moment about that pivot.

Examining an existing product's features and judging how well they meet users' needs, to inform design decisions.

A sequence of organised manufacturing stations through which material or components pass to become finished products.

Information displayed on a product or its packaging to identify it and communicate details needed for selection, safe use or storage.

The pattern of a product’s sales over time, usually described through introduction, growth, maturity and decline.

An electronic component whose operation can be set or changed by loading a program of instructions.

A manufacturing system in which product parts are grouped into bundles; each operative completes their set operation on a bundle before passing it to the next operative.

A model or working version of a proposed product, made to test and evaluate its design.

Planed square edge: timber supplied planed with squared edges.

A wheel with a groove around its rim that guides a belt or rope.

A mixture of separated plant fibres used to make paper and board.

A method of assembly in which a component is pushed into a closely fitting space and held without tools.

Polyvinyl acetate adhesive, used to bond wood to wood.

Quantum Tunnelling Composite: a material whose electrical resistance decreases when it is compressed.