2.12 - Specialist Techniques and Processes

Question 1

What is a production aid?

Answer 1

A manufacturing or production aid is any device, tool, template, jig or pattern to help improve the speed and accuracy of the production process.

Question 2

What is a jig? (Production aid)

Answer 2

• Jigs are used to hold a piece of material during cutting, drilling or bending.
• Jigs improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Secure the work piece quickly and without causing any damage to the material.
• Work piece is always located against a reference point or datum edge.

Question 3

What is a template? (Production aid)

Answer 3

• Templates are shaped pieces of material used in cutting, drilling and shaping.
• Templates ensure that an item is accurately made and can be replicated to ensure a consistent quality.
• For repeated use they should be made of a durable material.

Question 4

What is a paper template? (Production aid)

Answer 4

Paper patterns are often attached to a material to be cut such as in textiles or laying out shapes to be cut in wood or card.

Question 5

What are some different tools used for taking measurements?

Answer 5

• Measurements can be taken with a simple ruler or tape measure.
• Protractors can be used to measure angles when used with a ruler or a T-square.
• French curves enable curves to be drawn in different sizes.

Question 6

What is a datum point?

Answer 6

• A datum reference point is the point from which all measurements are taken.
• A single datum point is often found in the corner of a design or from the centre or edge of a circular shape.
• Accuracy is increased by ensuring measurements are taken from only these points.

Question 7

How are datum points used in computers?

Answer 7

• In computer aided manufacture (CAM), the machinery is aligned to a point where the X- and Y-axis meet.
• This method of measurement enables sizes to be accurately scaled up or down.

Question 8

What are scale drawings?

Answer 8

• A scale drawing allows a designer to accurately represent an object in a more practical size.
• The diagram will include measurements that have been enlarged or reduced by a specified amount known as a scale.
• The scale factor will be shown on the drawing.