IB Design Technology Topic A4.1: Manufacturing Techniques Key Definitions

The process of using 3D printing to create objects that can change shape or properties when exposed to a stimulus like water, air, heat, or electric current.

5D printing is a layer-by-layer printing process like 3D printing, but with a rotating extruder head that can print along 5 axes, allowing for stronger and more complex shapes.

Abrading is a process of wearing away a material’s surface by rubbing it with another material, often to smooth, shape, or clean it.

Additive manufacturing involves techniques that build objects by adding material layer by layer.

The act of sticking or bonding materials together, often using an adhesive like glue.

An electrochemical process that creates a thick oxidized coating on the surface of a metal component, usually aluminium or its alloys, to improve durability and appearance.

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.

The use of software to assist in the design process, allowing for precise and efficient creation of digital models.

Cutting is the removal of material by applying force that shears or fractures the workpiece.

A process that uses an electric current to trigger a chemical reaction, forming a metal coating on the surface of a product.

A device or method used to secure one material to another, such as screws, nails, or clips.

Finishing techniques are processes used to finalise a surface to allow bonding, improve aesthetics, or increase durability.

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

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) is a 3D printing method that builds models by depositing melted material in layers onto a bed.

A finishing process that applies a protective layer of zinc to steel or iron to prevent rusting.

Grinding is a machining process that uses abrasive wheels to achieve precise dimensions and smooth surface finishes.

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).

Joining techniques are methods used to connect two similar or dissimilar materials together.

LOM is a system that slices a 3D CAD model into thin layers, then cuts each layer from material using a laser or plotter cutter. The layers are glued together in order to form a 3D model.

Machining is the process of manufacturing components by using machines to cut, shape, or finish materials.

The process of forming a material by forcing it through a die, resulting in objects with a fixed cross-section

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.