Systems: Manufacturing techniques - EduqasForming and moulding
Specialised manufacturing techniques and processes such as deforming, reforming, wastage and fabrication depend on the materials and components being used.
Most materials need specialist tools and equipment to shape and form them. casing A removable outer layer of a product. and housingAn exterior case or enclosure. for electronic and mechanical products are shaped and formed to fit and protect products, making them more practical and aesthetically pleasing.
vacuum forming Warmed sheet plastic is sucked against a mould to give it shape. - plastic casings can be vacuum formed over a form giving a thin casing that an electronic circuit can be hidden in
injection mouldingMolten material forced into a mould. - molten plastic is injected into a mould giving an accurate form that can vary in thickness, ensures pieces fit together accurately, and can encase the electrical or mechanical parts, such as in children’s toys
castingA method of producing a form by pouring molten liquid into a mould. - mechanical products, such as engine parts, can be made from metal and are formed by pouring molten metal into a mould to make a solid, strong and accurate shape
bendingA bending force is applied at an angle causing a material to be in compression and tension at the same time. - simple shapes can be formed by bending sheet metal or heating and bending plastic to provide a casing for products such as fuse boxes
drilling - printed circuit boards (PCBs) require drilled holes for the components to fit in to, which can be done by hand using a pillar drill, but is more commonly done through automation using a computer numerical controlled (CNC)The use of computers to control cutting and shaping machines and a key computer aided manufacture (CAM) technique. machine
3D printing - using new technology, computer aided design (CAD)The process of creating a 2D or 3D design using computer software. and hardwearing plastic, complex shapes can be produced
laser cutting - accurate shapes can be cut and engraved, which can be utilised to produce casings or a decoration
