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EnglandDesign and Technology

Materials and their properties (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 are the materials used in product design classified, and what is the difference between each category?

The classification of materials used in product design: papers and boards, natural and manufactured timbers, ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys, thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers, and composites, with the defining features of each category.
A focused answer to OCR A-Level Product Design on the classification of materials: ferrous, non-ferrous metals and alloys, thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers, hardwoods, softwoods and manufactured boards, papers and boards, and composites, with the defining feature and a named example of each category.
12 min answer →

What physical and mechanical properties of materials does product design depend on, and how are they defined and measured?

The physical and mechanical properties of materials (strength, hardness, toughness, ductility, malleability, elasticity, plasticity, density, conductivity, durability) and how they govern the suitability of a material for a product.
A focused answer to OCR A-Level Product Design on the physical and mechanical properties of materials: tensile and compressive strength, hardness, toughness, ductility, malleability, elasticity, plasticity, density and conductivity, with definitions, the calculation of density, and how each property governs material choice.
12 min answer →

How do designers select a material and its stock form for a product, and what factors drive that decision?

The selection of materials and standard stock forms (sheet, bar, rod, tube, extrusion, granules, pre-formed sections) for a product, weighing functional, aesthetic, economic, manufacturing, availability and environmental factors.
A focused answer to OCR A-Level Product Design on selecting materials and stock forms: the functional, aesthetic, cost, availability, manufacturing and environmental factors, the standard stock forms (sheet, bar, rod, tube, extrusion, section, granules), and how a designer justifies a material choice for a product.
11 min answer →

What are smart and modern materials, and how do designers exploit their responsive or advanced properties in products?

Smart materials that change a property in response to an external stimulus (shape memory alloys, thermochromic and photochromic pigments, piezoelectric and electroluminescent materials) and modern materials developed by research (Kevlar, graphene, nanomaterials, polymorph), and their use in products.
A focused answer to OCR A-Level Product Design on smart and modern materials: shape memory alloys, thermochromic, photochromic, piezoelectric and electroluminescent materials, and modern materials such as Kevlar, graphene, nanomaterials and polymorph, with the stimulus, the response and a product application for each.
11 min answer →