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EnglandDesign and Technology

Manufacturing processes and scales of production (Component 01)

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do CAD, CAM and digital manufacture change the way products are designed and made?

Digital design and manufacture: CAD modelling, CAM and CNC machining, 3D printing (additive manufacture), laser cutting, and their effects on accuracy, repeatability, iteration speed, mass customisation and the role of the designer.
A focused answer to OCR A-Level Product Design on digital design and manufacture: CAD modelling, CAM and CNC machining, additive manufacture (3D printing), laser cutting, and their effects on accuracy, repeatability, iteration speed, mass customisation and employment.
11 min answer →

How do manufacturers control quality and accuracy, and what do tolerances, jigs and standards contribute?

Quality control and quality assurance, tolerances and how they are stated and checked, jigs and fixtures for accuracy, and quality standards and marks (ISO 9000, BSI Kitemark, CE marking) in manufacture.
A focused answer to OCR A-Level Product Design on quality control and quality assurance, the difference between them, tolerances and how they are stated and calculated, the role of jigs and fixtures, and quality standards and marks such as ISO 9000, the BSI Kitemark and CE marking.
11 min answer →

What are the scales of production, and how do they affect tooling, cost, automation and stock control?

The scales of production (one-off or bespoke, batch, mass and continuous), their use of jigs, fixtures and automation, the relationship between fixed cost, volume and unit cost, and Just in Time (JIT) stock control.
A focused answer to OCR A-Level Product Design on the scales of production: one-off (bespoke), batch, mass and continuous production, the use of jigs, fixtures and automation, the calculation of unit cost from fixed and variable costs, and Just in Time stock control.
12 min answer →

What are the main processes for shaping and forming metals, polymers and timber, and how do designers choose between them?

Shaping and forming processes for metals (casting, forging, machining), polymers (injection moulding, blow moulding, extrusion, vacuum forming, rotational moulding) and timber (sawing, turning, laminating), and the tooling, accuracy and scale each suits.
A focused answer to OCR A-Level Product Design on shaping and forming processes: casting and forging of metals, machining, injection moulding, blow moulding, extrusion, vacuum forming and rotational moulding of polymers, and timber processes, with the tooling cost, accuracy and scale each suits.
12 min answer →