Section A Flashcards
- Smart materials
A smart material is one which reacts to an external stimulus or input. This means that it can alter its functional or aesthetic properties in response to a changing environment
- Thermochromic pigments
Examples:
• Flexible thermometers
• Clothing
• Novelty goods
Characteristics:
• Respond to temperature changes by changing colour
• They change as they heat up and cool down
- Photochromic pigments
Examples: • Novelty goods • Paints • Clothing which change colour in UV light
Characteristics:
• The photochromic material responds to changes in the UV light levels by changing colour or darkening.
• Once the UV light is taken away they change back again or lighten
- Photochromic particles
Example:
• Sunglasses
The particles enable the lenses to darken when the user wears them in sunlight and the same glasses will appear clear when they are worn inside.
- Shape memory alloy
Examples:
• Frames for glasses
• Dental braces
Characteristics:
• Varying thickness
• A shape can be programmed when heated, it can be deformed and will return to memory shape when reheated
- Common papers: Bleed proof paper
Uses:
• Marker pens for design ideas and final designs
Characteristics: • 70gsm sheet • Coated to stop solvent based markers staining through the page • Deeper colours are achieved • Slightly textured
- Common papers: Cartridge paper
Uses:
• Pencil and ink drawings
• Sketching and watercolour
Characteristics:
• Completely opaque
• More expensive than photocopier paper
- Common papers: Grid paper
Uses:
• Used for graphical scientific and mathematical diagrams
Characteristics:
• Faint lines often in light blue ink
• Printed grid of squares, isometric lines or other patterns
- Common papers: Layout paper
Uses:
• Creating sketches and working ideas
Characteristics:
• Semi - translucent
• Takes pencil and most media well
- Common papers: Tracing paper
Uses:
• Copying and tracing images
Characteristics:
• Translucent
• Takes pencil and most colours well
Common boards: Corrugated cardboard
Uses:
• Packaging
• Boxes and impact protection
Characteristics:
• Strong
• Lightweight
- Common boards : Duplex board
Uses:
• Cheaper version of white card used for packaging boxes
• Food and drink containers
Characteristics:
• Stiff
• Lightweight coatings to improve functionality
- Common boards: Foil lined board
Uses:
• Takeaway containers and lids
• Used to retain heat for longer
Characteristics:
• Stiff
• Foil reflects heat and a water and oil resistant coating enables food and liquid products to be contained
- Common boards: Foam core board
Uses: • Architectural models • Model making • Prototyping • Mounting and framing of photographs and artwork
Characteristics: • Lightweight • Rigid in all directions • Smooth board • Variety of colours and thickness
- Common boards: Ink jet card
Uses:
• High quality photographic images
Characteristics:
• Medium to thick card treated to hold a high quality photo image
• Ink dries on the surface to create deeper colours
- Common boards: Solid white board
Uses: • Greeting cards • Packaging • Advertising • Embossing
Characteristics:
• Stiff board
• Holds colour well
• Easily cut or creased
- Hardwood
Definition:
Hardwoods generally have a less porous and and denser cell structure than softwoods. This makes them harder wearing and less prone to rotting.
- Hardwood: Ash
Uses:
• Sports equipment
• Toole handles
Characteristics:
• Flexible
• Tough
• Shock resistant
- Hardwood: Beech
Uses:
• Children’s toys
• Models
• Furniture
Characteristics:
• Fine finish
• Tough
• Durable
- Hardwood: Mahogany
Uses:
• High end furniture
• Joinery
• Veneers
Characteristics:
• Easily worked
• Durable
• Finishes well
- Hardwood: Oak
Uses:
• Flooring
• Furniture
Characteristics:
• Tough
• Hard
• Durable
- Hardwood: Balsa
Uses:
• Prototyping
• Modelling
Characteristics
• Very soft and spongy
• Very lightweight
- Softwoods
Definition:
Softwood generally has a more porous cell structure than hardwood. If left unprotected from the elements, it can absorb moisture and begin to rot.
- Softwood: Larch
Uses:
• Exterior cladding
• Flooring
• Furniture
Characteristics: • Durable • Tough • Good water resistance • Good surface finish
- Softwood: Pine
Uses:
• Interior construction
• Cheaper furniture
• Decking
Characteristics:
• Lightweight
• Easy to work
- Softwood
Uses:
• Construction
• Furniture
• Musical instruments
Characteristics:
• Easy to work
• High stiffness to weight ratio
- Manufactured boards
Definition:
Manufactured boards are usually sheets of processed natural timber waste products or veneers combined with adhesives.
- Manufactured boards: MDF
Uses:
• Flat pack furniture
• Toys
• Kitchen units
Characteristics
• Rigid
• Stable
• Good value with a smooth, easy to finish surface
- Manufactured boards: Plywood
Uses:
• Furniture
• Shelving
• Toys
Characteristics:
• Very stabile in all directions due to alternate layering
- Manufactured boards: Chipboard
Uses:
• Flooring
• Low-end furniture
• Kitchen units
Characteristics:
• Good compressive strength
• Good value