Material Selection (Y11 - Spring 1)

Question 1

When selecting materials to make a product what thing do you need to be aware of

Answer 1

• Functionality
• Aesthetics
• Environmental Factors
• Avaliability
• Cost
• Social Factors
• Cultural Factors
• Ethical Factors

Question 2

Suggest and Justify the apprpriate material that would be used to manufacture a wooden wardrobe

Answer 2

Chipboard

Because it’s light and cheap and can be veneered with a thin layer of plastic or natural wood

Question 3

Suggest and Justify the apprpriate material that would be used to manufacture a wooden park bench

Answer 3

Teak

Because it is suitable for outside used as it has a strong grain and structure so water can’t absorb into it too easily and it’s strong enough for people to sit on. Teak can also be finished well.

Question 4

Functionality Definition

Answer 4

How well does a product carry out its purpose

What is it used for?
Where will it be used?

Question 5

Ethical Factors Definition

Answer 5

Moral decisions when designing and manufacturing products

Is it right?
Wnat are the implications?

Question 6

Avaliability Definition

Answer 6

Ease of sourcing and purchasing material

Is it in good supply?
Could this affect the cost?

Question 7

Aesthetics Definition

Answer 7

How a product will look

Does it look nice?
Is its look appropriate?
Is the finish cost effective/appropriate?

Question 8

Cost Definition

Answer 8

The cost of materials and manufacture

Could you use a different material?
Could you buy in bulk?

Question 9

Social/Cultural Definition

Answer 9

Social responsibility and sensitivity to other alternatives

Does this affect choice of material?
Could it affect aesthetics?