Selecting tools and processes

Each aspect of designing and making features tools, which are being developed and improved all the time. Selecting the right tools and equipment for a job is vital when producing a quality product.

Important tips for selecting the most appropriate tools and equipment:

use Internet research and watch online instruction videos
access forums and blogs to read public tips on successful production
ask other people and visit or email specialist workplaces
visit the local library and research techniques in specialist books
companies who manufacture the tools and equipment often have detailed instructions online for their use

Material selection

A range of different materials could be used when producing a product, such as:

Materials need to be chosen according to the that will make them suitable for the required uses of the product. Different materials will require different:

manufacturing processes (including hand tools and machinery)
techniques
components
fixtures
finishes
maintenance

Designers are required to think not only about the design and manufacture, but also the use and then the consequent environmental impact of the product when it comes to the end of its life.

Surface finishes

Surface finishes can be or :

functional finishes - can help protect or insulate material, stop and decay, avoid light degradation, stop biological attack from insects or fungus, improve hygiene and can be antibacterial
aesthetic finishes - can add decoration or colour and are smooth or textured

Marking out

Accuracy is vital to a quality finished product. The UK recommends the use of metric measurements using millimetres (mm), centimetres (cm) and metres (m).

Datum references

When an object, are used as a reference point for all measurements to be taken from and can be chosen by the manufacturer. By taking measurements from a small number of set points, accuracy can be improved and maintained.

A datum reference can be along the straight edge of a design, known as datum surface, or a single datum point, often found in the corner of a design. In a circular shape, it would be around the edge or from the centre.

In this example, the opposite corners of the shape are connected with and the intersection creates a reference point in the centre of the work. This is one example of a datum point.

Square with construction lines intersecting in the centre.

Datum references are particularly useful for aligning machines, which use the point where the X- and Y-axis meet as a datum reference. They can also be used to sizes up and down in measurements by using the X- and Y-axis.

are tools made specially to help place a material in the same place repeatedly. They are particularly useful for marking out where holes need to be drilled or joints cut. They cut production costs by saving waste, speeding up the process and improving accuracy. Templates and patterns can be used to ensure that exactly the same shape it being repeated.

Marking-out tools

A range of marking-out tools can be used to show where to cut, drill and assemble parts. Simple marking out can be done with a pencil, but more accurate and consistent markings can be done with:

tape measure - to measure straight and curved shapes
pins - to hold pattern pieces in place and mark points on fabric
craft knife - to cut and score (mark), particularly used on paper and card
compass - to mark out circles
- a sharp point to put a fine scratch on the surface of the metal that is being marked
mitre square - to measure 45 degree and 135 degree angles for mitre joints in picture frames
mortise gauge - to mark out lines parallel to an edge
- to create a drill point before a hole is drilled so that the drill bit does not slip on the surface
or try square - to mark out at 90 degrees to an edge or face
marking knife - to score lines
sliding bevel - can be adjusted to mark a specific angle