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EnglandDesign and Technology

3. Material considerations

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 common electronic components do, and how are they used in a circuit?

Electronic components: resistors, capacitors, diodes and LEDs, transistors and integrated circuits, what each does, and how components are combined to make working circuits in products.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Design and Technology J310 on electronic components: resistors, capacitors, diodes and LEDs, transistors and integrated circuits, what each does and how they combine in circuits.
9 min answer →

What is the difference between ferrous, non-ferrous and alloy metals, and what are they used for?

Metals: ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals and alloys, the difference between them, their physical and working properties, common examples, and typical uses.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Design and Technology J310 on metals: ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals and alloys, the difference between them, their properties, common examples and typical uses.
9 min answer →

What are the main papers and boards, their properties, and what are they used for?

Papers and boards: the common types (cartridge, layout, tracing, grid, bleed-proof papers; corrugated card, mounting board, foam board, duplex and solid white board), their physical and working properties, weight measured in gsm, and typical uses.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Design and Technology J310 on papers and boards: the common types, their physical and working properties, how weight is measured in gsm, and typical uses in design.
9 min answer →

What is the difference between thermoforming and thermosetting polymers, and what are they used for?

Polymers: thermoforming (thermoplastic) and thermosetting polymers, the difference between them, their physical and working properties, common examples, and typical uses.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Design and Technology J310 on polymers: thermoforming and thermosetting plastics, the difference between them, their properties, common examples and typical uses.
9 min answer →

How does a designer choose the right material and work out what it will cost?

Selecting and costing materials: the factors that influence material choice (function, properties, aesthetics, cost, availability and sustainability), stock forms and stock sizes, and calculating material cost from stock forms and quantities.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Design and Technology J310 on selecting and costing materials: the factors that influence choice, stock forms and sizes, and calculating material cost from stock forms and quantities.
10 min answer →

What is the difference between natural, synthetic and blended fibres, and how are fabrics constructed?

Textiles: natural, synthetic and blended fibres, the difference between them, woven, knitted and non-woven fabric construction, their physical and working properties, common examples and typical uses.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Design and Technology J310 on textiles: natural, synthetic and blended fibres, woven, knitted and non-woven fabrics, their properties, examples and typical uses.
9 min answer →

What is the difference between hardwoods, softwoods and manufactured boards, and what are they used for?

Timbers: natural hardwoods and softwoods and manufactured (manmade) boards, their physical and working properties, the difference between hardwood and softwood, common examples, and typical uses.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Design and Technology J310 on timbers: natural hardwoods and softwoods and manufactured boards, their properties, the hardwood and softwood difference, examples and uses.
9 min answer →