1.6 Materials Categories and Properties Flashcards
What are the properties of Bleed proof (120 - 150gsm) paper?
- Smooth paper, often used with water and spirit based markers
- Prevents marker bleed (when ink runs and seeps through the paper)
What are the common uses of Bleed proof (120 - 150gsm) paper?
Used for presentation drawrings
What did early artists use before bleed proof paper?
- Goatskin
- Sheepskin
What are the properties of Cartridge paper (120 - 150gsm)?
- Good quality white paper often with a slight texture
- Available in different weights
What are the common uses of Cartridge paper (120 - 150gsm)?
- Paints and markers
- Drawing
- Brochures
- Pamphlets
- Booklets
What are the properties of Grid paper (80 - 100gsm)?
Paper printed with different grids as guidelines (these can be isometric or differently sized grids)
What are the common uses of Grid paper (80 - 100gsm)?
Quick model-making and working drawings
What are the properties of Layout paper (50gsm)?
- Thin
- Translucent
- Lightweight
- Can be drawn on with markers and takes colours well
What are the common uses of Layout paper (50gsm)?
Initial quick sketching and tracing
What are the properties of Tracing paper (60/90gsm)?
- Thin
- Transparent
What are the common uses of Tracing paper (60/90gsm)?
Tracing copies of drawings
What are the properties of a Corrugated card (250gsm +)?
- Strong, lightweight material
- Made up of two or more layers and a fluted middle section leading to good insulating properties
What are the common uses of Corrugated card (250gsm +)?
- Packaging such as pizza boxes
- Large boxes used for heavy items that need protecting
What are the properties of the Duplex board (230 - 420gsm)?
Thin board which often has one side that is suitable for printing
What are the common uses of Duplex board (230 - 420gsm)?
Food packaging
What are the properties of Foil-lined board?
Board covered on one side with aluminium foil, making it a good insulator of heat
What are the common uses of Foil-lined board?
Takeaway or ready meal packaging
What are the properties of Foam core board?
- Two pieces of board with a core of foam to increase the thickness
- Thick board that is very lightweight
What are the common uses of Foam core board?
Model making, such as architectural models
What are the properties of Inkjet cards (120 - 280gsm)?
Treated so it can be used in all inkjet printers
What are the common uses of Inkjet cards (120 - 280gsm)?
Printing in inkjet printers
What are the properties of Solid white board (200 - 400gsm)?
- Top quality cardboard, smooth and white
- Good for printing on
What are the common uses of Solid white board (200 - 400gsm)?
Book covers
What are the properties of Ash (hardwood)?
- Tough and flexible, wide grained
- Finishes well
What are the common uses of Ash (hardwood)?
- Sports equipment
- Ladders
What are the properties of Beech (hardwood)?
- Hard, strong, close grain
- Prone to warping and splitting
What are the common uses of Beech (hardwood)?
- Furniture
- Children’s toys
- Workshop tool handles
- Bench tops
What are the properties of Mahogany (hardwood)?
- Strong and durable
- Available in wide planks
- Fairly easy to work but can have interlocking grain
What are the common uses of Mahogany (hardwood)?
- Good quality furniture
- Panelling
- Veneers
What are the properties of Oak (hardwood)?
- Hard, tough, durable, open grain
- Can be finished to a high standard
What are the common uses of Oak (hardwood)?
- Timber framed buildings
- High quality furniture
- Flooring
What are the properties of Balsa (hardwood)?
- Strong and durable
- Lightweight
- Easy to work
What are the common uses of Balsa (hardwood)?
- Model making
- Floats and rafts
What are the properties of Larch (softwood)?
- Reddish in colour and has a striking pattern
- Tough but easy to work, although quite resinous and prone to splitting
- Naturally resistant to rot
What are the common uses of Larch (softwood)?
- Fencing
- Fence posts
- Cladding
- Decking
What are the properties of Pine (softwood)?
- Straight grained, light yellow in colour
- Soft and easy to work
- Can be quite knotty
What are the common uses of Pine (softwood)?
Interior joinery and furniture - Window frame
What are the properties of Spruce (softwood)?
- Creamy white in colour
- Easy to work with small knots
- Lightweight with good resonant properties
What are the common uses of Spruce (softwood)?
- Bedroom furniture
- Stringed musical instruments
What are the properties of medium density fibreboard (MDF)?
- smooth and easy to finish
- light brown
- can be veneered
- absorbs moisture
- not suitable for outdoor use
What are the common uses of medium density fibreboard (MDF)?
- kitchens
- flat pack furniture
What are the properties of plywood?
- odd number of layers of veneer glued at 90° for strength
aesthetically pleasing outer layer - easy to cut and finish
- can be stained or painted
What are the common uses of plywood?
- shelving
- construction
- toys
What are the properties of chipboard?
- compacted wood chips
- laminated with a variety of coverings
- end cuts are difficult to finish
- strong
- absorbent to water
What are the common uses of chipboard?
- veneered worktops
- flooring
What is a ferrous metal?
A metal or alloy that contains iron and is magnetic
What is a non-ferrous metal?
A metal or alloy that doesn’t contain iron, which means that it doesn’t rust
What is the composition of Cast iron?
Iron and 3.5% carbon
What are the properties of Cast iron?
- Hard surface but has a brittle soft core
- Strong compressive strength
- Cheap
What are the common uses of Cast iron?
- Vines
- Car brake discs
- Cylinder blocks
- Manhole covers
What is the composition of Low carbon steel (mild steel)?
Iron and 0.15 - 0.35% carbon
What are the properties of Low carbon steel (mild steel)?
- Good tensile strength
- Tough
- Malleable
- Poor resistance to corrosion
What are the common uses of Low carbon steel (mild steel)?
- Car bodies
- Nuts
- Bolts and screws
- RSJ’s and girders
What is the composition of High carbon steel (tool steel)?
Iron and 0.70 - 1.4% carbon
What are the properties of High carbon steel (tool steel)?
- Hard but also brittle
- Less tough, malleable or ductile than medium carbon steel
What are the common uses of High carbon steel (tool steel)?
- Screwdrivers
- Chisels
- Taps
- Dies
Is Cast iron a ferrous or non-ferrous metal?
Ferrous metal
Is Low carbon steel (mild steel) a ferrous or non-ferrous metal?
Ferrous metal
Is High carbon steel (tool steel) a ferrous or non-ferrous metal?
Ferrous metal
Is Aluminium a ferrous or non-ferrous metal?
Non-ferrous metal
What is the melting point of Aluminium?
660
What is the composition of Aluminium?
Pure metal (often alloyed with copper and manganese depending on application)
What are the properties of Aluminium?
- Lightweight, soft, ductile and malleable
- A good conductor of heat and electricity
- Corrosion resistant
What are the common uses of Aluminium?
- Aircraft bodies
- High-end car chassis
- Cans
- Cooking pans
- Bike frames
Is copper a ferrous or non-ferrous metal?
Non-ferrous metal
What is the melting point of Copper?
1084
What is the composition of Copper?
Pure metals
What are the properties of Copper?
- Extremely ductile and malleable
- An excellent conductor of heat and electricity
- Easily soldered and corrosion resistant
What are the common uses of Copper?
- Aircraftbodies
- High-end carchassis
- Cans
- Cooking pans
- Bikeframes
Is Zinc a ferrous or non-ferrous metal?
Non-ferrous metal
What is the melting point of Zinc?
419
What are the properties of Zinc?
- Weakin its pure state
- High level of corrosion resistance
- Low melting point
- Easily worked
What is the composition of Zinc?
Pure metals
What are the common uses of Zinc?
- A galvanisedcoating in crashbatteries
- Corrugatedroofing
- Intricatedie cast products
Is Tin a ferrous or non-ferrous metal?
Non-ferrous metal
What is the melting point of Tin?
231
What is the composition of Tin?
Pure metals
What are the properties of Tin?
- Soft ductile and malleable
- Low melting point
- Excellent corrosion resistance
What are the common uses of Tin?
- Coating on foodand drinks cans
- Solders
What is an alloy?
A metal made by combining two or more metallic elements,especially to give greater strength or resistance to corrosion.
What is the composition of Brass-non-ferrousalloy?
Alloyof copper (65%) and zinc (35%)
What are the properties of Brass-non-ferrousalloy?
- Strongand ductile
- Casts well
- Corrosion resistant
- Conductor ofheatand electricity
What are the common uses of Brass-non-ferrousalloy?
- Casting
- Forgings
- Taps
- Wood screws
What is the composition of Stainless steel-ferrous alloy?
Alloy of steel including chromium (18%) and nickel (8%)
What are the properties of Stainless steel-ferrous alloy?
- Hard and tough
- Excellent resistanceto corrosion
What are the common uses of Stainless steel-ferrous alloy?
- Sinks
- Cutlery
- Surgical equipment
- Homewares
What is the composition of high-speed steel?
- 18% tungsten
- 4% chromium
- 1% vanadium
- 0.5–0.8% carbon
What are the properties of high-speed steel?
- Dark grey when used for tool bits
- withstands high temperatures
- can be allowed with a variety of materials for different properties
What are the common uses of high-speed steel?
- drill bits
- saw blades
What is the composition of Duralumin?
- Alloy of aluminium(90%)
- Copper (4%)
- Magnesium (1%)
- Manganese (0.5%-1%)
What are the properties of Duralumin?
- Strong,soft andmalleable
- Excellent corrosionresistance
- Lightweight
What are the common uses of Duralumin?
- Aircraft structuresand fixings
- Suspensionapplications
- Fueltanks
What are polymers?
Mostpolymersare synthetic, meaningthey areman-made and have beendesigned bychemical engineers. Different polymers are created all thetime so that the demands of theconsumercan be met.
What are the two categories of a polymer?
- Thermosetting plastic or Thermoset
- Thermoforming plastic or Themoplastic
What are the properties of a Thermosettinng or Thermoset polymer?
Resist heat and fire (Good for electrical fittings and pan handles)
Chemical change when heated and moulded, they permanently becomehard and rigid
Non-recyclable
What are the properties of a Thermoforming or Thermoplastic polymer?
- Don’t resist heat well,they areeasily formed into different shape byheating, melting and remoulding
- Easy to recycle
Is Acrylic (PMMA) a thermosetting or thermoforming polymer?
Thermoforming polymer
What are the properties of Acrylic (PMMA)?
- Hard
- Excellent optical quality
- Good resistance to weathering
What are the common uses of Acrylic (PMMA)?
- Car light units
- Bath tubs
- Shop signage and displays
Is High- impact polystyrene (HIPS) a thermosetting or thermoforming polymer?
Thermoforming polymer
What are the properties of High- impact polystyrene (HIPS)?
- Tough, hard and rigid
- Good impact resistance
- Lightweight
What are the common uses of High- impact polystyrene (HIPS)?
- Children’s toys
- Yoghurt pots
- Refrigerator liners
Is High- density polystyrene (HDPE) a thermosetting or thermoforming polymer?
Thermoforming polymer
What are the properties of High- density polystyrene (HDPE)?
- Hard and stiff
- Excellent chemical resistance
What are the common uses of High- density polystyrene (HDPE)?
- Washing up bowls
- Buckets
- Milk crates
- Bottles
- Pipes
Is Polypropylene (PP) a thermosetting or thermoforming polymer?
Thermoforming polymer
What are the properties of Polypropylene (PP)?
- Tough
- Good heat and chemical resistance
- Lightweight
- Fatigue resistant
What are the common uses of Polypropylene (PP)?
- Toys
- DVD & Blu-ray cases
- Food packaging film
- Bottle caps
- Medical equipment
Is Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) a thermosetting or thermoforming polymer?
Thermoforming polymer
What are the properties of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)?
- Hard and tough
- Good chemical and weather resistance
- Low cost
- Can be rigid or flexible
What are the common uses of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)?
- Pipes
- Guttering
- Window frames
Is Polyethylene terephthate (PET) a thermosetting or thermoforming polymer?
Thermoforming polymer
What are the properties of Polyethylene terephthate (PET)?
- Tough and durable
- Lightweight
- Food safe
- Impermeable to weather
- Low cost
What are the common uses of Polyethylene terephthate (PET)?
- Drink bottles
- Food packaging
Is Epoxy resin a thermosetting or thermoforming polymer?
Thermosetting polymer
What are the properties of Epoxy resin?
- Electrical insulator
- Good chemical and wear resistance
What are the common uses of Epoxy resin?
- Adhesives such as araldite
- PCB components encapsulation
Is Melamine formaldehyde (MF) a thermosetting or thermoforming polymer?
Thermosetting polymer
What are the properties of Melamine formaldehyde (MF)?
- Stiff, hard and strong
- Excellent resistance to scratching and staining
What are the common uses of Melamine formaldehyde (MF)?
- Kitchen work-surface
- Laminates
- Tableware
Is Phenol formaldehyde (PF) a thermosetting or thermoforming polymer?
Thermosetting polymer
What are the properties of Phenol formaldehyde (PF)?
- Hard
- Heat and chemical resistance - Good electrical insulators
- Limited colours available
What are the common uses of Phenol formaldehyde (PF)?
- Electrical fittings
- Saucepan handles
Is Polyester resin a thermosetting or thermoforming polymer?
Thermosetting polymer
What are the properties of Polyester resin?
- Brittle but becomes tough when laminated with glass fibre
- Hard and resistant to UV
What are the common uses of Polyester resin?
- GRP boats
- Car body panels
Is Urea formaldehyde (UF) a thermosetting or thermoforming polymer?
Thermosetting polymer
What are the properties of Urea formaldehyde (UF)?
- Stiff and hard
- Heat resistant
- Good electrical insulator
What are the common uses of Urea formaldehyde (UF)?
- White electrical fittings
- Toilet seats
- Adhesive used in MDF
Is cotton (smooth) a natural or synthetic fibre?
Natural fibre
What are the properties of cotton (smooth)?
- Strong, good at absorbing moisture (this means they can time a long time to dry)
- Can be washed and ironed at high temperatures
- Creases badly and shrinks unless a special finish is applied
- Easy to set alight, can be dangerous
What are the common uses of cotton (smooth)?
- T-shirts
- Socks and underwear
- Denim jeans
- Bed sheets
- Fishing nets
- Medical dressing
- Nappies
Is wool (soft or coarse) a natural or synthetic fibre?
Natural fibre
What are the properties of wool (soft or coarse)?
- Soft and warm
- Comfortable to wear; will not crease easily
- Water-resistant, but also very good at absorbing moisture (takes a long time to dry)
- Most wools will shrink if put in a tumble dryer
- Does not set alight easily and when is does , it puts itself out
- Shrinks badly (felting) and therefore difficult to wash unless a special finish is applied to prevent shrinking
What are the common uses of wool (soft or coarse)?
- Jumper
- Coats
- Socks
- Blankets
- Carpet- Tennis balls
- Pool tables
- Mattresses
Is Silk (very smooth and glossy) a natural or synthetic fibre?
Natural fibre
What are the properties of Silk (very smooth and glossy)?
- Fibres have a triangular cross section that makes is soft and smooth and gives it a lustre
- Lightweight, absorbent, warm in cold conditions but cold in hot weather
- A strong fibre that becomes weak when wet so needs to be washed carefully
- Has natural elasticity so can crease very badly
- Expensive and often considered as a luxury fibre
What are the common uses of Silk (very smooth and glossy)?
- Evening dresses
- Ties
- Lingerie
- Bedding
- Wall hangings
- Parachutes
Is Polyester (smooth) a natural or synthetic fibre?
Synthetic fibre
What are the properties of Polyester (smooth)?
- Very strong and resistant to abortion
- Does not absorb water so will dry quickly
- Crease resistant
- Will soften when heated (it is thermoplastic) and can be heat-set into new shapes that it will maintain when cooled down
- Finishes can be added easily (e.g. permenant pleats and creases)
- A smooth fibre that does not trap air, so is not very warm to wear
What are the common uses of Polyester (smooth)?
- Clothing
- Bedspreads
- Sheets
- Pillows
- Padding for upholstery
- Carpets
- Curtains
- Ropes
- Sails for boats
Is Polyamide (Nylon) a natural or synthetic fibre?
Synthetic fibre
What are the properties of Polyamide (Nylon)?
- Fine and lightweight but extremely strong and abrasion resistant
- Does not absorb moisture, stays strong when wet
- Not affected by alkalis but is weakened by bleach
- Long exposure to sun will turn white nylon yellow and eventually rot the fabric
- Thermoplastic so it can be heat-set
What are the common uses of Polyamide (Nylon)?
- Underwear
- Shoelaces
- Tights
- Tent
- Parachutes
- Carpets
- Seatbelts
Is Elastance/Lycra (soft) a natural or synthetic fibre?
Synthetic fibre
What are the properties of Elastance/Lycra (soft)?
- Very strong (can stretch by up to six time its length and then return to its original length), allowing it to fit close to the body and give freedom of movement
- Because it is so stretchy, it cannot be used on its own and needs to be blended with other fibres
- Crease resistant
- Easily washable
- Absorbent
- Resistant to perspiration and quick drying
- Not very warm to wear
What are the common uses of Elastance/Lycra (soft)?
- Swimwear
- Sportswear
- Leggings
- Tights
What are the characteristics of a filament?
- Shiny
- Smooth
- Strong
What are the characteristics of a staple yarn?
- Dull, flat appearance
- Rough or fuzzy to touch
What are woven fabrics?
They are made by interlacing (crossing alternately over and under) two sets of yarns
Are Weft knit fabrics knitted or non-woven fabrics?
Knitted fabrics
What are some examples of Weft knit fabrics?
- Jersey
- Rib knits
- Polyester fleece
What are the properties of Weft knit fabrics?
- Very strong but can be pulled out of shape
- Have a soft drape and do not crease easily
- Trap air easily and are therefore warm in still air, but cool in windy weather as air can still get through the gaps in the fabric
What are the common uses of Weft knit fabrics?
- Socks
- T-shirts
- Jumpers
- Scarves
- Hats
- Leggings
Are Wrap knit fabrics a knitted or non-woven fabrics?
Knitted fabrics
What are some examples of Wrap knit fabrics?
- Tricot
- Knitted lace
What are the properties of Wrap knit fabrics?
- Less stretchy than weft knits; firm
- Do not ladder and cannot be unravelled ‘row by row’
What are the common uses of Wrap knit fabrics?
- Swimwear
- Underwear
- Net curtains
- Industrial textiles and geotextiles
Is bonded fabric a knitted or non-woven fabric?
Non-woven fabric
What are the properties of bonded fabric?
- Cheap to manufacture and use
- Not as strong as woven or knitted fabrics, and do not drape as well
- Easy to sew
- Crease resistant
- Does not fray
What are the common uses of bonded fabric?
- Interfacing and interlining
- Disposable items (e.g. Cleaning cloths and hospital items such as dressings)
Is felted fabric a knitted or non-woven fabric?
Non-woven fabric
What are the properties of felted fabric?
- Warm and soft
- Does not fray
- Not very strong does not drape well
- No elasticity
- Expensive
What are the common uses of felted fabric?
- Hats
- Slippers
- Toys
- Insulation materials
- Upholstery