A-Level Design & Technology Exam Paper 1

Refers to the material leftover or discarded during the manufacturing process. It can include excess materials, off-cuts, or rejected pieces, contributing to waste and inefficiency.

The ability to resist tearing or ripping, often associated with fabrics or papers. This property makes it ideal for marker rendering, ensuring a smooth and clean drawing surface.

Strong, durable, and lightweight, this paper is commonly used for packaging because it offers excellent protection and structural support.

A type of card with a layer of foil on one side providing a barrier against moisture and light making it suitable for packaging drinks.

Thick, rigid material used for making models, displays, or mounting artwork. It offers durability and a smooth surface for precise work.

The proportion of energy generated from solar panels in a specific year, calculated based on the total renewable energy used.

The utilization of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydro power, to meet energy demands.

The rate at which the use of renewable energy sources increases over time, indicating a shift towards sustainability.

A material that produces an electric charge when pressure is applied to it.

An alloy with the ability to return to its original shape after being deformed by heat.

A type of glass that darkens in response to ultraviolet (UV) light.

Kevlar is a strong and lightweight synthetic fiber known for its high tensile strength and resistance to heat and chemicals. These make it ideal for protective clothing.

Precious Metal Clay (PMC) is a clay made from precious metals like silver or gold. It shrinks during the firing process.

The process used for manufacturing plastic bottles is called blow molding.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a common thermoplastic used for manufacturing cleaning product bottles.

The length of the external curve A is approximately 150mm. The total length of veneer used is approximately 300mm.

A type of manufactured board used for furniture construction.

A standard full-size sheet of manufactured board measures 2440mm in width and 1220mm in length.

Ash veneer provides a smooth, aesthetically pleasing finish to the lounge chair.

Ash veneer is strong and durable, making it suitable for the load-bearing structure of the chair.

A thermoset polymer is a type of plastic that permanently hardens when heat is applied. An example of a thermoset polymer is epoxy resin, often used for bonding.

A hardness test measures a material's resistance to indentation. A test can be done by pressing a standardized object into the metal surface and observing the resulting indentation.

A toughness test measures a material's resistance to fracture. A test can be done by bending or hitting the metal sample, observing how much force it takes to break or permanently deform the sample.

Laminating involves bonding multiple layers of a material together, typically with an adhesive. This is used to create stronger, thicker, or more aesthetically pleasing structures.

The total distance of the material needed to construct a single strut, considering all the individual segments and joints.

The angle formed between the strut and the underside of the bird table, ensuring a precise fit. This is essential for structural stability.

Specialized tools or templates designed to guide the manufacturing process, ensuring consistent and accurate results for identical parts.

A production system where all stages of creating a product, from design to assembly, occur within the same company or facility.

When the company making a product also owns and controls the supply chain, including materials, manufacturing plants, and distribution channels.

Thermoplastic polymers can be repeatedly heated and reshaped without degrading. This makes them ideal for manufacturing bottles, as they can be easily molded into the desired shape and can be recycled multiple times.

Thermoplastic polymers are lightweight and durable, making them suitable for packaging liquids. The lightweight nature reduces transportation costs, while their strength prevents breakage and leaks.

The process involves heating thermoplastic granules and then injecting the molten material into a mold with the desired bottle shape. The plastic cools and solidifies, forming the bottle.

Computer systems are used to design bottle shapes and sizes, plan production schedules, and control the injection molding process. This ensures accurate bottle production and minimizes material waste.

Computer systems can track production data, such as bottle output and material usage, allowing manufacturers to identify and eliminate waste. This helps reduce environmental impact and maximize efficiency.

Computer systems can monitor and manage processes like injection molding, allowing for quick adjustments to production lines based on changing consumer demand. This allows manufacturers to respond quickly to market changes.

Biodegradable polymers break down naturally in the environment, decomposing into less harmful components. They are often produced from plant-based materials, making them a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.

A biodegradable polymer degrades faster in environments with optimal conditions for microbial activity, such as warmth, moisture, and the presence of oxygen. These conditions encourage the breakdown of the polymer by microorganisms.