IB Design Technology Topic 4.2a Metals and Metallic Alloys Revision Notes (SL/HL) | RevisionDojo

Concepts and Principles of Metals and Alloys

Metals play a crucial role in engineering, manufacturing, and design.
Understanding their extraction, processing, properties, and sustainability allows designers to select the best materials for their intended use.

Extracting Metal from Ore

Metals are not found in pure form in nature but are typically combined with other elements in rock formations called ores.
1. Extracting these metals is a complex and energy-intensive process.
Ore deposits are localized → Some regions have rich metal reserves, while others rely on imports.
Metals may be mined in one location but refined elsewhere, requiring transportation and logistics.

Note

Designers must consider the environmental impact of metal extraction.
Choosing recyclable materials or reducing metal waste can improve sustainability.

Grain Size and Metal Properties

Metals have crystalline structures made up of grains, and the size of these grains influences their mechanical properties.
1. Rapid cooling → Small grains → Harder, stronger material.
2. Slow cooling → Large grains → More ductile, less strong material.

Note

Aircraft parts require fine-grained metals for strength.
Steel beams may be engineered with controlled grain size for balance between strength and flexibility.

Modifying Metal Properties

Metals can be engineered for improved performance through different processes.

Alloying
1. What It Is: Mixing a metal with other elements to enhance strength, corrosion resistance, and durability.

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Concepts and Principles of Metals and Alloys

Metals play a crucial role in engineering, manufacturing, and design.
Understanding their extraction, processing, properties, and sustainability allows designers to select the best materials for their intended use.

Extracting Metal from Ore

Metals are not found in pure form in nature but are typically combined with other elements in rock formations called ores.
1. Extracting these metals is a complex and energy-intensive process.
Ore deposits are localized → Some regions have rich metal reserves, while others rely on imports.
Metals may be mined in one location but refined elsewhere, requiring transportation and logistics.

Note

Designers must consider the environmental impact of metal extraction.
Choosing recyclable materials or reducing metal waste can improve sustainability.

Grain Size and Metal Properties

Metals have crystalline structures made up of grains, and the size of these grains influences their mechanical properties.
1. Rapid cooling → Small grains → Harder, stronger material.
2. Slow cooling → Large grains → More ductile, less strong material.

Note

Aircraft parts require fine-grained metals for strength.
Steel beams may be engineered with controlled grain size for balance between strength and flexibility.

Modifying Metal Properties

Metals can be engineered for improved performance through different processes.

Alloying
1. What It Is: Mixing a metal with other elements to enhance strength, corrosion resistance, and durability.

Definition

Paywall

(on a website) an arrangement whereby access is restricted to users who have paid to subscribe to the site.

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Note

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam quis nostrud exercitation.

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

Tip

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris.
Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum.

1. Human factors and ergonomics3 subtopics

2. Resource management and sustainable production6 subtopics

3. Modelling5 subtopics

4. Final production11 subtopics

5. Innovation and design7 subtopics

6. Classic design2 subtopics

7. User-centered design (HL)5 subtopics

8. Sustainability in design (HL)4 subtopics

9. Innovation and markets (HL)5 subtopics

10. Commercial production (HL)5 subtopics

IB Design Technology 4.2a Metals and Metallic Alloys Notes

1. Human factors and ergonomics3 subtopics

2. Resource management and sustainable production6 subtopics

3. Modelling5 subtopics

4. Final production11 subtopics

5. Innovation and design7 subtopics

6. Classic design2 subtopics

7. User-centered design (HL)5 subtopics

8. Sustainability in design (HL)4 subtopics

9. Innovation and markets (HL)5 subtopics

10. Commercial production (HL)5 subtopics

Concepts and Principles of Metals and Alloys

Extracting Metal from Ore

Grain Size and Metal Properties

Modifying Metal Properties

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

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Concepts and Principles of Metals and Alloys

Extracting Metal from Ore

Grain Size and Metal Properties

Modifying Metal Properties

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

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