← Design and Technology syllabus

EnglandDesign and Technology

Processes and manufacture (Component 1)

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do CAD, CAM and CNC link design to manufacture, and what does automation add?

Digital design and manufacture: CAD, CAM and CNC machining, additive manufacture (3D printing), the role of automation, robotics and flexible manufacturing systems, and the benefits and drawbacks of computer-integrated manufacture.
A focused answer to Eduqas A-Level Product Design on digital design and manufacture: CAD, CAM and CNC machining, additive manufacture by 3D printing, automation, robotics and flexible manufacturing systems, and the benefits and drawbacks of computer-integrated manufacture.
12 min answer →

Why are products finished, and which finishing process suits which material?

Finishing processes for metals (painting, powder coating, anodising, galvanising, plating), timber (varnish, oil, wax, stain, paint) and polymers (self-finishing, printing), the reasons for finishing (protection, function, aesthetics), and how the finish suits the material and environment.
A focused answer to Eduqas A-Level Product Design on finishing processes: painting, powder coating, anodising, galvanising and plating for metals, varnish, oil, wax, stain and paint for timber, and the self-finishing nature of polymers, with the reasons for finishing and how a finish suits the material and environment.
12 min answer →

How is quality assured in manufacture, and what are tolerances and why do they matter?

Quality control and quality assurance, tolerances and upper and lower limits, the use of gauges, jigs, fixtures and templates, statistical process control and Six Sigma, and how tolerances enable interchangeable parts and consistent quality.
A focused answer to Eduqas A-Level Product Design on quality control and tolerances: the difference between quality control and quality assurance, upper and lower limits and tolerance, gauges, jigs, fixtures and templates, statistical process control and Six Sigma, and how tolerances allow interchangeable parts.
12 min answer →

What are the scales of production, and how does production volume affect process, cost and tooling?

The scales of production (one-off or bespoke, batch, mass and continuous), just-in-time and lean manufacturing, the relationship between volume, tooling cost and unit cost, and how the chosen scale shapes the manufacturing method.
A focused answer to Eduqas A-Level Product Design on the scales of production: one-off or bespoke, batch, mass and continuous production, just-in-time and lean manufacturing, and how production volume sets the relationship between tooling cost, unit cost and the manufacturing method.
12 min answer →

How are materials shaped and formed into products, and which process suits which material and scale?

The shaping and forming processes for polymers (injection moulding, blow moulding, vacuum forming, extrusion, rotational moulding), metals (casting, forging, die casting) and timber (laminating, steam bending), and how the process suits the material, the form and the scale of production.
A focused answer to Eduqas A-Level Product Design on shaping and forming processes: injection moulding, blow moulding, vacuum forming, extrusion and rotational moulding for polymers, casting and forging for metals, and laminating and steam bending for timber, with the material and scale each suits.
12 min answer →

How are products made by removing material (wasting) and by joining or adding material (addition)?

Wasting processes (sawing, drilling, milling, turning, laser and water-jet cutting) that remove material, and addition and joining processes (welding, brazing, soldering, adhesives, mechanical fixings, 3D printing) that join or build up material, with their uses and trade-offs.
A focused answer to Eduqas A-Level Product Design on wasting and addition processes: sawing, drilling, milling, turning and laser and water-jet cutting that remove material, and welding, brazing, soldering, adhesives, mechanical fixings and 3D printing that join or build up material, with their uses and trade-offs.
12 min answer →