IB Design Technology Topic A4.1.8: Forming Techniques Key Definitions

Bending is a forming process that deforms material along a straight axis to create a specific angle or curve without removing material.

Blow moulding is a manufacturing process where air is used to expand heated plastic inside a mould, forming hollow objects like bottles and containers.

Casting is the process of creating an object by pouring molten material into a mould, where it solidifies into the desired shape.

Forming techniques are mechanical processes that reshape material without adding or removing it. Examples include extrusion, stamping, bending, and injection moulding.

Injection moulding is a manufacturing process that injects molten material into a mould cavity to form parts or products. Common materials include thermoplastics (e.g. ABS, polyethylene, polypropylene), thermosetting plastics (e.g. epoxy, phenolic), and elastomers (e.g. rubber).

Material extrusion is a process where material is forced through a die, producing objects with a fixed cross-section, often used in 3D printing and manufacturing.

Moulding is a group of manufacturing techniques that use a mould to shape material into a desired form.

Press forming is a manufacturing process where material is shaped by pressing it into a mould to create a specific object or component.

Rotational moulding is a manufacturing process where powdered material is placed in a mould, which is then heated and rotated to coat the inside evenly, forming a hollow object as it cools and solidifies.

Vacuum forming is a manufacturing process where a heated plastic sheet is stretched over a mould and sucked down by vacuum pressure to form a specific shape.