Eduqas GCSE Design and Technology key terms

A polymer that softens when heated and hardens when cooled, allowing it to be reshaped within its suitable processing range.

A plastic that sets permanently during curing and cannot subsequently be softened and reshaped by heating.

A polymer that sets permanently during curing and cannot subsequently be melted and remoulded.

A conducting position available to a switch contact set.

A semiconductor switching component, also called a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR), that can remain conducting after its gate trigger has been removed.

The permitted variation from a specified dimension or value.

The slight surface texture of drawing paper that helps pencil and other drawing media grip the surface.

Visible stitching on the right side of a product, used for decoration and sometimes to secure seam allowances.

The turning effect of a force about a shaft or pivot.

Twisting around an axis.

A material’s ability to absorb energy and withstand impact without breaking.

A circuit that allows a small control signal to operate an output transducer requiring a larger current.

A semiconductor component in which a small input controls a larger current; it can act as a switch, amplifier or output driver.

The ability to let light pass through. Translucent tracing paper allows a drawing beneath it to be seen for copying or overlay work.

Allowing some light through, without giving a completely clear view through the material.

The full cost of making a prototype or product, rather than only the purchase price of its main material.

A table showing the output for every possible combination of digital inputs.

A hollow length of metal, commonly with a round or square cross-section.

A rotating device driven by moving air, water or steam, which can drive a generator.

A machining process in which material is rotated on a lathe and a cutting tool removes material to produce the required form.

A paint layer applied beneath the finishing colour coat to help produce an even, rich colour.

The price of one specified unit, such as one metre of fabric, one button or one reel of thread.

An approach that involves users throughout design and development, basing decisions on their needs, tasks and circumstances of use.

Something a product must provide for its user to use it safely and successfully.

A test in which an intended user carries out relevant tasks with a product or prototype while the designer records its performance and the user's response.

A user's preference or desired feature that is not necessarily essential to the product's basic purpose.

Applying a coating that is cured using ultraviolet light.