Design & Technology (9-1) - 0979 CIE

Cutting, Shaping And Forming (Materials option)

Overview

Once a part is marked out it has to be brought to shape, and that means removing the material you do not want and forming what is left. Cutting, shaping and forming is the heart of practical workshop skill: choosing the right saw, file, drill, machine or CAM process for the material in front of you, and using it in a way that is accurate, efficient and safe. The same shape can often be reached several ways, and a designer who understands the processes makes the choice that gives the best result for the least effort.

This note works through cutting and material removal for woods, metals and polymers: the hand saws, files and chisels; the power and machine tools such as the pillar drill, scroll saw, lathe and sanding machines; the forming processes including line bending, vacuum forming and bending sheet metal; and the CAM routes of laser cutting and CNC routing. It explains how to match the process to the material and why each tool cuts the way it does.

Objectives

  1. select and perform methods of cutting and removal of materials, using appropriate hand tools, power tools, machinery and/or computer-aided manufacture (CAM).

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Lesson Note

Cutting means separating material along a line, and the right saw depends on the material and the kind of cut. The key variable is the tooth pitch (how many teeth per length): coarse teeth cut fast but rough and suit thick, soft material such as timber, while fine teeth cut slowly but cleanly and suit thin or hard material such as metal and acrylic. A second variable is whether the saw cuts straight lines or curves.

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Lesson Evaluation

Congratulations on completing the lesson on Cutting, Shaping And Forming (Materials option). Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.

You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

  1. Which saw is most suitable for cutting a tight internal curve in thin acrylic? A. Tenon saw B. Rip saw C. Coping saw D. Junior hacksaw Answer: C
  2. Why should a fine-toothed blade be used to cut thin sheet metal? A. It cuts faster than a coarse blade B. It keeps at least three teeth in the cut so the saw does not snatch C. It is the only blade that fits a hacksaw D. Fine teeth clear large chips better Answer: B
  3. When drilling a large hole in mild steel, the spindle speed should be: A. As fast as possible B. Slow, often with cutting fluid C. The same as for a small drill D. Irrelevant to the result Answer: B
  4. Which process forms a crisp single fold in acrylic sheet? A. Vacuum forming B. Line bending (strip heating) C. Sand casting D. Steam bending Answer: B
  5. Which material must never be cut on a school laser cutter because it releases toxic fumes? A. Acrylic B. Plywood C. PVC D. MDF Answer: C

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