6.6.1 Cutting and Shaping Materials

Question 1

Describe fabric shears
:) :(

Answer 1

• have long blades
  :) can cut fabric easy
  :( skilled person needed for accuracy

Question 2

What are laser cutters (2)
:) :(

Answer 2

• controlled by CAD, melts or burns through material
  :) can cut/engrave complicated patterns, easy, quick to set up
  :( burnt edge on fabric, not all fabrics are suitable

Question 3

Stamp/die cutting
:) :(
cookie cutter

Answer 3

• sharp blades, stamp out shapes
  :) precise, can cut identical multiple pieces
  :( bespoke dies - expensive, ready made dies could limit design

Question 4

Heating element - soldering iron
:) :(

Answer 4

• hot blade, melts and seals edges of a fabric that is prone to fraying
  :) quick, easy to set up
  :(burnt edge on fabric, imprecise, only works on synthetics

Question 5

Extrusion

Answer 5

• a high pressure punch
  :) long lengths of precise sections
  :( needs specialist equipment, expensive