Smoethattestk Flashcards
What is PTFE and why is it used for non-stick saucepans?
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is a polymer with non-stick properties, high heat resistance, and chemical inertness, making it ideal for durable and easy-to-clean non-stick cookware.
What makes polypropylene suitable for seating?
Polypropylene is a flexible, lightweight thermoplastic with high impact resistance and durability, making it ideal for chairs, especially in high-use areas.
What is ergonomics, and how is it applied in chair design?
Ergonomics is the study of designing products to fit the user comfortably and reduce strain. In chair design, it ensures proper posture support and comfort.
What is anthropometric data, and why is it important in design?
Anthropometric data refers to measurements of human body dimensions, used by designers to ensure products fit the target audience for safety and usability.
What are modern materials?
Modern materials, like carbon fiber composites, are advanced materials engineered for specific properties, such as strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance.
What are smart materials?
Smart materials, such as shape memory alloys, respond to environmental changes (e.g., heat or stress) and can adapt their properties, like returning to a pre-set shape.
What is Polymorph, and why is it useful?
Polymorph is a low-temperature thermoplastic that becomes pliable at 62°C, ideal for prototyping and creating custom shapes due to its reusability and ease of molding.
What are the advantages of shape memory alloys?
Shape memory alloys, like Nitinol, can return to a pre-set shape after deformation when heated, making them useful in medical devices and responsive mechanisms.
What drives the development of sustainable products?
Key drivers include reducing environmental impact, meeting consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions, and ensuring economic viability through efficient production processes.
What is the product life cycle?
The product life cycle covers all stages of a product, from raw material extraction through manufacturing, usage, and end-of-life disposal or recycling.
Process: The product is designed and developed (concept and prototyping).
Manufacture: Mass production of the product takes place to meet demand.
Move Item - Distribute: The product is distributed to retailers or customers.
Sell/Purchase: Customers buy the product, and it enters the market.
Sell Used Item/Recoup Money: The product is resold or traded, and its value may decrease over time.
Dispose: The product reaches the end of its life, and it is disposed of or recycled.
What are the 6Rs of sustainability?
Reduce – Minimize the amount of materials and energy used to lower waste and consumption.
Reuse – Use items again, either for the same purpose or repurpose them to extend their life.
Recycle – Convert waste into reusable materials to prevent depletion of resources.
Rethink – Consider alternative ways to design or use products to make them more sustainable.
Refuse – Avoid products that are harmful to the environment or unnecessary.
Repair – Fix broken items instead of replacing them to reduce waste.
What are the key properties of UPVC?
UPVC is rigid, weather-resistant, and low-maintenance, ideal for windows and pipes, though it becomes brittle in extreme cold.
Why compare traditional and modern materials?
Comparing helps evaluate suitability. For instance, carbon fiber is lightweight and strong, while wood offers natural aesthetics and sustainability.
How do sustainable design principles influence product development?
Designers prioritize renewable materials, waste reduction, durability, and recyclability to minimize environmental impact.
Why are functional qualities important in material selection?
Functional qualities, such as strength or heat resistance, determine a material’s performance in specific applications and its suitability for the product.
How does ergonomic design enhance product usability?
Ergonomic design reduces strain, improves comfort, and enhances efficiency, making products safer and easier to use for a wider audience.
What are the main uses of polypropylene?
Polypropylene is used in storage containers, seating, and automotive components due to its durability, flexibility, and impact resistance.
What is injection molding, and what is it used for?
Injection molding is a manufacturing process where molten plastic is injected into a metal mold under high pressure.
Applications: Used for creating high-volume products like bottle caps, toys, and electronic casings.
What are the steps involved in injection molding?
- Plastic pellets are melted in a heated barrel.
- The molten plastic is injected into a mold cavity.
- The material cools and solidifies into the shape of the mold.
- The mold is opened, and the part is ejected.
What is blow molding, and what products are made using this method?
Blow molding is a process for making hollow plastic objects.
Applications: Used for bottles, fuel tanks, and containers.
What are the steps involved in blow molding?
- Plastic is melted and extruded as a tube (parison).
- The parison is clamped inside a mold.
- Compressed air inflates the plastic to fill the mold cavity.
- The part cools, solidifies, and is ejected.
What is vacuum forming, and when is it used?
Vacuum forming shapes a heated plastic sheet over a mold using suction.
Applications: Commonly used for packaging, trays, and product casings.
What are the steps involved in vacuum forming?
- The plastic sheet is clamped and heated until pliable.
- It is draped over the mold.
- A vacuum removes air, pulling the sheet tightly against the mold.
- The plastic is cooled and trimmed.
What is 3D printing, and what are its applications?
3D printing builds objects layer by layer from a digital file.
Applications: Prototyping, custom parts, and complex designs for industries like healthcare and aerospace.
What are the steps involved in 3D printing?
- A 3D model is sliced into layers using software.
- Material is deposited or solidified layer by layer.
- The final object is removed and post-processed.
What is CNC machining, and why is it important?
CNC machining uses computer-controlled tools to precisely cut or shape materials.
Applications: Used for intricate metal and plastic parts in automotive and aerospace industries.