• Core technical principles

    • New and emerging technologies - Eduqas

      Companies are trying to save money, improve products, develop new materials and become more efficient. New technologies are developed to positively impact the manufacturing industry and society.

    • Energy generation and storage - Eduqas

      Energy generation and storage have a huge global impact on our lives - from decisions about the use of fossil fuels and their effect on our environment, to the development of cleaner, more modern ways to create and store energy.

    • Developments in new materials - Eduqas

      Developments in science and engineering lead to changes in materials technology. There are a range of modern materials with impressive properties, as well as traditional ones such as wood or metal.

    • Electronic systems - Eduqas

      The systems approach to designing with programmable electronic devices is vital in understanding how today’s electronic devices are programmed together with how they operate in the real world.

    • Mechanical devices - Eduqas

      Mechanical devices can change one form of force to another. All moving parts work on some sort of mechanism.

    • Material categories and properties - Eduqas

      All materials have physical and working properties. Physical properties are the traits a material has before it is used, whereas working properties are how the material behaves when it is manipulated.

  • In-depth technical principles

    • Metals - Eduqas

      Metals come from an ore that is mined from the ground. Metals can be used for all methods of production, from bespoke pieces of jewellery to mass-produced cars.

    • Papers and boards - Eduqas

      Paper is made from wood pulp or recycled material. It may be used in packaging, drawing and sketching, or model making.

    • Plastics - Eduqas

      Most polymers are manufactured and are designed by chemical engineers. Most are made using non-renewable crude oil. Difficulties around disposal mean there is a drive to reduce the use of plastics.

    • Systems: Sources and functions of components - Eduqas

      Components are chosen based on factors including working properties, environmental impact, function, manufacturing processes etc. It is important to choose a component fit for purpose.

    • Systems: Manufacturing techniques - Eduqas

      Specialised manufacturing techniques and processes such as deforming, reforming, wastage and fabrication depend on the materials and components being used.

    • Textiles: Sources and properties - Eduqas

      Textiles are made from fibres, classified as either natural or manufactured. Fibres are twisted into yarns before being made into woven, knitted or bonded fabrics.

    • Textiles: Manufacturing techniques - Eduqas

      In the textile and clothing industry fabrics are dyed, printed and finished before being cut, assembled and shaped by machine operators. For the garments to fit, accuracy in construction is important.

    • Timbers - Eduqas

      Hardwood and softwood are types of timber that come from many different trees. Manufactured boards such as MDF and plywood are man-made.

  • Designing and making principles

    • Investigating - Eduqas

      During the designing and making processes it is important to gather feedback from the client and users. Refining the product based on this feedback helps solve any problems before production begins.

    • Designing - Eduqas

      Designers use many techniques to create products and solve problems. Design and development involve creating working drawings and parts lists to enable a third party to manufacture the design.

    • Making - Eduqas

      Manufacturers need to consider the form, function and cost of designs before production. Designers need to consider safety, availability of materials and minimising waste, while maintaining quality.

    • Evaluating - Eduqas

      Evaluating ideas, models and feedback is an ongoing process, utilised in continuing to adapt and improve products to make them more useful, appealing and profitable.

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