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EnglandEngineering

Engineering manufacture

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do we change a metal's properties or protect its surface after shaping?

Heat treatments (hardening, tempering, annealing, normalising) that change a metal's properties and surface treatments and finishes that protect or improve a surface.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Engineering on heat treatments (hardening, tempering, annealing, normalising) that change metal properties and surface treatments (galvanising, anodising, painting, powder coating) that protect or finish a surface.
9 min answer →

How do we join parts together permanently or so they can be taken apart?

Permanent joining methods (welding, brazing, soldering, adhesives, riveting) and temporary methods (nuts and bolts, screws), and when each is used.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Engineering on permanent joints (welding, brazing, soldering, adhesives, riveting) and temporary joints (nuts, bolts and screws), with the choice between them.
9 min answer →

How do we make sure parts are made accurately and consistently?

Quality control checks, tolerance and how upper and lower limits are stated, and the measuring and gauging equipment used to check parts.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Engineering on quality control, tolerance with upper and lower limits, and the measuring and gauging equipment (vernier callipers, micrometers, go/no-go gauges) used to check parts.
9 min answer →

How does the quantity needed change the way a product is made?

Scales of production (one-off, batch, mass and continuous) and how the quantity affects the process, cost, tooling and automation used.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Engineering on one-off, batch, mass and continuous production, and how quantity drives the choice of process, tooling, automation and cost per item.
9 min answer →

How do we shape materials by cutting them away or forming them?

Wasting processes that remove material (cutting, drilling, turning, milling) and shaping processes that form material (casting, moulding, forging), with their uses.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Engineering on wasting processes (sawing, drilling, turning, milling) and shaping or forming processes (casting, injection moulding, vacuum forming, forging), with examples and when each is used.
9 min answer →