Materials and Components Flashcards
What is Reverse Engineering?
Reverse Engineering is the process of taking something (a product, a device, an electrical component etc) apart and looking its workings in detail, usually with the intention to construct a new device that does the same thing or better without copying anything from the original.
Benefits:
- allows to look at the interrelationships between parts/components
Can identify…
- possible methods of manufacture
- possible range of materials used
- assembly sequence
- construction details
Save time and money as product is not being developed from scratch.
What is Injection Moulding
Injection Moulding is the process of injecting molten material under high pressure into a mould or die to achieve a certain form
+ Fast Production
+ High Repeatability
+ Precise
+ little to no plastic waste
- High Initial Cost
- Part design and size restrictions
- Plastic resin is poured into a desired shape
- The holding pressure is applied to increase density of the plastic.
- The plastic is then cooled and solidified
- The plastic is carefully released
Silver
white lustre precious metal, tarnishes quite quickly
Properties - sonorous, ductile and very malleable so can be shaped into intricate shapes
Uses - Jewellery, dental fillings, plasters, mirror back
Aluminium
- commonly used an alloy its increase its potential applications
Properties - low density, resistant to corrosion and 100% recyclable
Uses - aerospace industry (plane hulls, wings), packaging (drink cans), transport (cars, electronics)
Brass
- alloy of copper and zinc
- commonly used as decoration as its thought to look nice due to its gold colouring from the mixture of copper and zinc
Uses: Coins, insruments, ornaments, plumbing and electrical applications
Bronze
- alloy of copper and tin
- not used as much anymore due to brass having more functional properties
Uses: ornaments, sculptures,
Low and Medium Carbon Steels
- varying levels of carbon - higher carbon content the higher the strength but too much can make the steel brittle
Uses - Metal works,tools
Smart Materials
SM are materials that can change their properties if exposed to an external stimulus (e.g. light, heat etc)
Microbead Technology
- smart technology linked to graphic products
- an example being scratch and sniff, where the desired smell is surrounded by micro capsules (through the process of micro encapsulation) that break easily upon impact
Photochromic
Materials that change colour when subjected to changes in light. E.g. light reactive lenses in glasses allows them to function as sunglasses. The advantage of this being they don’t need to purchase an additional prescription of glasses
Thermochromic
Thermochromic materials changes when subjected to different temperatures. Example products being colour changing art work, clothes and graphic products.
Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)
SMA is an alloy that when deformed returns to its original shape when heated
(e.g. nitinol)
Polymorph
Polymorph is a low melt polymer. At 60’ it becomes soft and putty so it can be moulded in different shapes. It can be used to make products like handheld aids for people who have difficulty gripping items. It can also be used to make prototype parts for products as it can bed used quicky and easily without heavy machinery.
Piezoelectric
Piezoelectric materials are materials that can produce a voltage and change shape when voltage is supplied to them. Its used in everyday objects like lighters and ignition switches.
What is CNC?
CNC machining is a type of automated machining process that uses computer numerical control technology to shape an object by removing material from a workpiece until desired shape is achieved
+ accuracy of shapes and interlocking fittings
+less human error
+ hard materials
+ repetition of shapes
+ difficult or complex shapes can be produced
