Fig. 1 shows a children's playground slide. Analyse the selection of materials for the sliding surface, the supporting structure and the handrails. In your ...

Assessment: Design & Technology: Product Design 9252 | Paper 1 Mock 01 | Technical, designing and making principles Subject: Design & Technology: Product Design - 9252

Question 1 Report

9252-p1-materials-playground-slide-1

Fig. 1 shows a children's playground slide. Analyse the selection of materials for the sliding surface, the supporting structure and the handrails. In your answer refer to working properties, safety and maintenance. [10]

Answer Details

A safe outdoor slide must remain smooth and structurally secure while resisting weather and frequent use.

  1. Sliding surface: It needs to be smooth with a low coefficient of friction so children slide safely. It must resist abrasion from repeated use and should not become dangerously hot in sunlight. Moulded polymer and stainless steel are suitable possibilities: metal can heat up in sun, while polymer can scratch. [3 marks]
  2. Supporting structure: This carries several children in bending and compression and must withstand climbing and swinging forces. Galvanised steel or a stabilised polymer can provide strength and weather resistance without requiring annual treatment. [3 marks]
  3. Handrails: These should be continuous, with no gaps that could trap a child's head or clothing. They must suit a child's grip and have no sharp edges or projecting fixings. [2 marks]
  4. Maintenance and safety: Materials that do not need repainting reduce maintenance. Fixings should be recessed and tamper resistant, preventing injury and unauthorised removal. [2 marks]

A justified choice weighs a smooth, durable sliding surface against heat and scratch risks, together with a strong, low-maintenance structure. [10 marks]

Read lesson note on Materials And Their Working Properties (OxfordAQA)
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