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EnglandDesign and Technology

2. Materials and their properties

7 dot points across 7 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What do the physical and working properties of a material mean, and where do materials come from?

Physical and working properties of materials and their sources: defining properties such as strength, hardness, toughness, malleability, ductility, elasticity and conductivity, the difference between physical and working properties, and the origins of the main material categories.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE Design and Technology (C600) on the physical and working properties of materials and their sources: strength, hardness, toughness, malleability, ductility, elasticity and conductivity, and where the main materials come from.
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What is the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys, and what are their properties and uses?

Ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys: the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals, what an alloy is, common examples, their physical and working properties such as conductivity, malleability and corrosion resistance, and typical uses.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE Design and Technology (C600) on ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys: the ferrous and non-ferrous difference, what an alloy is, examples, properties and typical uses.
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What are the common types of paper and board, their properties, weights and typical uses?

Papers and boards: common types of paper and card, how they are measured by weight (gsm) and thickness (microns), their physical and working properties, and typical uses in modelling, packaging and graphics.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE Design and Technology (C600) on papers and boards: common types of paper and card, how they are measured (gsm and microns), their properties and typical uses in modelling, packaging and graphics.
9 min answer →

What is the difference between thermoforming and thermosetting polymers, and what are their properties and uses?

Thermoforming and thermosetting polymers: the difference between thermoplastics and thermosets, common examples, their physical and working properties, recyclability, and typical uses in products and packaging.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE Design and Technology (C600) on thermoforming and thermosetting polymers: the thermoplastic and thermoset difference, examples, properties, recyclability and typical uses.
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How do designers select materials from standard stock forms and calculate the cost of the material used?

Selecting materials and stock forms, and costing: choosing a material to suit a product, the standard stock forms materials are supplied in (sheet, bar, rod, tube, section), and calculating material cost from price per unit, including allowing for waste.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE Design and Technology (C600) on selecting materials and stock forms and costing: standard stock forms, how to choose a material, and a worked material-cost calculation including waste.
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What is the difference between natural, synthetic and blended fibres, and how are fibres made into fabrics?

Fibres and textiles: natural, synthetic and blended fibres, how fibres are made into woven, knitted and non-woven fabrics, their physical and working properties, and typical uses in clothing and products.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE Design and Technology (C600) on fibres and textiles: natural, synthetic and blended fibres, woven, knitted and non-woven fabrics, their properties and typical uses.
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What is the difference between hardwoods, softwoods and manufactured boards, and what are they used for?

Natural and manufactured timber: hardwoods and softwoods, manufactured (manmade) boards, the difference between hardwood and softwood, common examples, their physical and working properties, and typical uses.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE Design and Technology (C600) on natural and manufactured timber: hardwoods and softwoods and manufactured boards, their properties, the hardwood and softwood difference, examples and uses.
9 min answer →