NCEA L1 Materials Tech flashcards
NCEA L1 Materials Tech · Build recall with a focused review session.
33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Hardwood
- Timber from broad-leaved deciduous trees such as oak, ash and beech. It generally has a denser structure and is used for furniture and structural work.
- Softwood
- Timber from coniferous trees such as pine, fir and spruce. It grows faster, is usually cheaper and lighter, and is common in construction and packaging.
- Manufactured board
- Sheet material made by bonding wood fibres, chips or veneers with adhesive. Examples include MDF, plywood and particle board; it uses waste wood and comes in uniform sheets.
- Plywood
- A manufactured board of thin wood veneers glued in alternating grain directions. The cross-grain layers give strength and resist warping better than solid timber.
- Ferrous metal
- A metal containing iron, such as steel or cast iron. Ferrous metals are magnetic and can rust, so they usually need protective coatings.
- Non-ferrous metal
- A metal containing no iron, such as aluminium, copper or brass. It is non-magnetic and generally more corrosion-resistant and lighter than steel.
- Thermoplastic
- A polymer that softens when heated and hardens on cooling, and can be reshaped repeatedly. Examples include acrylic, HDPE and PVC; it is recyclable.
- Thermosetting plastic
- A polymer that cures permanently by chemical reaction and cannot be remelted or reshaped. Examples include epoxy and polyester resin; it resists heat well.
- Composite material
- A material made from two or more components combined to give properties neither has alone. Glass-fibre reinforced plastic uses strong fibres in a resin matrix.
- Malleability
- The property of a material that allows it to be shaped or flattened by hammering or rolling without cracking. Metals such as copper and aluminium are highly malleable.
- Ductility
- The ability of a material to be drawn out into thin wire without breaking. Copper is ductile, which is why it is used for electrical cable.
- Hardness
- A material's resistance to scratching, abrasion or indentation. Hard materials such as hardened steel resist wear but may be brittle.
- Toughness
- The ability of a material to absorb impact energy without fracturing. Tough materials bend or deform rather than shatter when struck.
- Strength
- The ability of a material to withstand an applied force without breaking or deforming permanently. Strength may be measured in tension, compression or shear.
- Brittleness
- The tendency of a material to break or shatter suddenly with little deformation when stressed. Glass and cast iron are typical brittle materials.
- Elasticity
- The ability of a material to return to its original shape after a force is removed. Rubber and spring steel are elastic within their elastic limit.
- Conductivity
- The ability of a material to transmit heat or electricity. Metals such as copper conduct well; polymers and ceramics generally act as insulators.
- Corrosion
- The gradual breakdown of a material by chemical reaction with its environment, such as iron rusting. Coatings and alloying can slow or prevent it.
- Alloy
- A metal made by mixing a base metal with other elements to improve properties. Steel is iron with carbon; brass is copper with zinc.
- Adhesive joint
- A permanent join made with glue or resin between surfaces. It suits thin or dissimilar materials and spreads load over the whole joint area.
- Mechanical fastener
- A device such as a screw, bolt, rivet or nail used to hold parts together. Fasteners allow joints to be assembled and sometimes taken apart.
- Knock-down fitting
- A reusable fastener, such as a cam and dowel, that lets furniture be assembled and disassembled. It suits flat-pack furniture and manufactured boards.
- Wood grain direction
- The direction of the fibres in timber. Cutting and joining along the grain is stronger; joints must account for grain direction to avoid splitting.
- Surface preparation
- Cleaning and smoothing a surface, by sanding or degreasing, before applying a finish. Good preparation helps paint or varnish adhere and last.
- Anodising
- An electrochemical process that thickens the natural oxide layer on aluminium, improving corrosion resistance and allowing coloured finishes.
- Galvanising
- Coating steel with a layer of zinc to prevent rust. The zinc corrodes in preference to the steel, protecting it even where the coating is scratched.
- Sustainability of materials
- Choosing materials that reduce environmental impact, such as recycled, renewable or locally sourced stock. Timber from managed forests and recycled metals are examples.
- Material selection
- Choosing a material based on required properties, cost, availability, workability and environmental impact. The chosen material must suit the product's function.
- Ergonomics
- Designing products to fit human body size, strength and comfort. It affects grip shape, handle size and safe use of tools and products.
- Anthropometrics
- The measurement of human body dimensions used in design. Data on reach, height and hand size helps size products for the intended user.
- Design brief
- A short statement of the problem to solve, the intended user and the key constraints. It guides research and decision-making throughout a project.
- Specification
- A detailed list of measurable requirements a product must meet, such as size, strength, cost and finish. It is used to test whether a design is successful.
- Mock-up
- A quick, often rough model made to test shape, size or function before final manufacture. Mock-ups reveal problems cheaply at an early stage.