Major Developments In Technology

Question 1

What size are microelectronics

Answer 1

Microelectronics are usually far smaller than they actually are, however, they are made a certain size to make it easier to handle and use.

Question 2

Why do people usually use standard components in products

Answer 2

Standard components can be cost effective

Question 3

What are the risks of relying on component parts

Answer 3

Smaller component parts like memory are often produced in factories in select countries.

If you’re dependant on certain areas/companies, then you risk a shortage of items/component parts if there area problems with the manufacturers.

As a result (with supply and demand) this led to products relying in these part skyrocket.

Question 4

What is a Raspberry Pi and why is it good for small products

Answer 4

A raspberry pi is essentially a small computer or a programmable board.

A raspberry pi is programmable (and can be customised), meaning it can be used in small products.

Question 5

Advantages of Microelectronic Development

Answer 5

• Medical use - monitoring heart rate
• Hygiene - auto sensors
• Portability
• Aesthetic benefits, easier to use
• Automation

Question 6

Disadvantages of Microelectronic Development

Answer 6

• Automation (impact on jobs)
• Can be difficult to handle
• Hacking (software based)
• Disposal (components - particularly ones that use precious metals)
• They may become too complicated
• They may have a short life-span before new technology comes along
• They are not very environmentally friendly

Question 7

What impacts on society can developments in technology result in

Answer 7

• Environmental Concerns
• Sociability (can be good/bad)
• Social Media (from phones driven by microelectronics)
• Work from home

Question 8

What are some potential future developments in technology

Answer 8

• AirPod case with a small touchscreen
• Flexible Screen Technology

Question 9

What is Glulam and what makes it good

Answer 9

Glulam is made up of specifically selected pieces of timer glued together. Like a traditional laminate, but extremely strong and durable due to the careful selection of timer, avoiding knots and other defects.

Glulam can be shaped far easier than steel. It is very strong, as it has the properties of timer, as well as the glue holding it together.

Question 10

Properties of Glulam

Answer 10

• Strong
• Sustainable (as wood can be regrown)
• Easy to shape

Question 11

What is Kevlar and what makes it good

Answer 11

Kevlar is a strand of material that is incredibly strong. It gets woven into a fabric that is then used to make stab-proof and billet-proof vests.

Kevlar is created using aromatic polyamide fibres that are extremely strong. The fibres are often woven into different fabrics and can be used with resins to create strong, solid structures (e.g Boeing 787)

Question 12

Properties of Kevlar

Answer 12

• Strong (bulletproof)
• Easy to form
• Lightweight

Question 13

What is Precious Metal Clay (PMC) and what makes it good

Answer 13

PMC is a modelling clay that contains microscopic particles of gold, silver and other metals. When sintered at around 700°C for 10 mins, the metal binds.

Question 14

Properties of Precious Metal Clay (PMC)

Answer 14

• Easy to mould
• 700° to sinter
• Can get intricate designs

Question 15

What is Graphene and what makes it good

Answer 15

Graphene is a 2D nano material that is one atom thick, connected in a hexagonal structure. Discovered 15 years ago, it is likely to become more popular as techniques to manufacture it improve.

Question 16

Properties of Graphene

Answer 16

• Incredibly strong
• It’s one atom thick
• Flexible
• Great conductor (super conductor)

Question 17

What is Electrohydraulic Forming and how does it work?

Answer 17

An electrical pulse generates a shock wave in the fluid (water) that forces the material (usually metal) into the shape of the former. The air is evacuated from the mould prior to forming so this does not prevent the material from forming effectively.

Question 18

Properties of Electrohydraulic Forming

Answer 18

• Single sided formed
• Can make complex shapes
• It is a fast, single stage process

Question 19

Properties of Direct Metal Sintering (DMLS)

Answer 19

• 3D metal parts
• Bespoke
• Complex Parts (often not possible with other metal manufacturing processes)

Question 20

What is Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) and how does it work?

Answer 20

Metal particles in the form of a powder are sintered using a powerful laser layer by layer to create solid and often very complex shapes. Formed from 3D CAD models.

Is great for small, complex items and one-off production.

Question 21

What is Fibre Injection Moulding and how does it work?

Answer 21

Combing some of the advantages if thermoplastic injection moulding with the strength/reinforcement properties if carbon fibre manufacturing, that provides a hybrid manufacturing technique that is both fast and cost effective

Question 22

Properties of Fibre Injection Moulding

Answer 22

• Can used existing injection moulding techniques
• Long strand moulding with additional fibre feed

Question 23

What other types of particles can injection moulding include?

Answer 23

Other particle injection moulding can include:

• Wood particles
• More sustainable - reduces plastic
• Aesthetic qualities

Question 24

What is Laser Beam Welding and how does it work

Answer 24

Although the equipment itself can be expensive, the running costs and maintenance are low. It is a very accurate method of welding and does not require a filler rod.

Question 25

Properties of Laser Beam Welding

Answer 25

• Accurate • No filler material • Deep welds possible • Low running costs • Doesn’t require a filler rod

Question 26

Why do companies Invest in New Manufacturing

Answer 26

• Long term efficiency • Reduce labour costs • Aesthetic qualities • Quicker • Waste reduction • Progressions (makes a unique selling point (USP), gives company a market lead) • Reduces energy costs.

Question 27

What different uses are the of ICT in Design, Manufacture, and Retail of a Product

Answer 27

• CAD/CAM • Desktop Publishing • Marketing (Online Ads) • Analytics (Google Analytics) • Research • Online Shops • Email • Video Conferences • Spreadsheets

Question 28

What is Computational Fluid Dynamics and how does it work?

Answer 28

CFD uses sophisticated computer modelling to predict the flow of gases or fluids in or around a product. Car aerodynamics is a common use, but boat design and other products where drag reduction is beneficial use CDF modelling. (Look at how air is hitting the car and flowing over/around it)

Question 29

Properties of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer 29

• Simulate fluid or gas flow • Help improve aerodynamics • Cheaper then wind tunnel testing • You don’t need a physical prototype

Question 30

What is Finite Element Analysis and how does it work?

Answer 30

FEA modelling allows engineers and designers to test components and whole systems against loads and other simulated stresses, such as wind or vibrations. Critical design flaws can be identified early before production is started.

Question 31

Properties of Finite Element Analysis

Answer 31

• Stress Analysis • Test loads • Simulate individual components • Identify weaknesses

Question 32

What are 3 Main Types of Rapid Prototyping

Answer 32

• Stereolithography (SLA) • Fused filament fabrication (FFF) (3D printer technology we have in school) (Sometimes referred to as Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) • Selective laser sintering (SLS)

Question 33

Benefit of Stereolithography (SLA) over 3D printing

Answer 33

A stereolithography (SLA) product is generally a far higher quality than 3D printing

Question 34

What is Selective Laser Sintering and how Nike use it?

Answer 34

Selective laser sintering tech has revolutionised the way we design cleat plates, and gives Nike the ability to create solutions that were not possible within the constraints of traditional manufacturing processes When talking about how rapid prototyping is positive, it allows the development of products to happen quickly, as changes can be made overnight, before being tested the very next day.

Question 35

What is Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) and how does it work

Answer 35

EPOS allows a company to electronically manage the payment of goods and manage stock levels by monitoring what products are being sold and re-ordering where necessary. (EPOS doesn’t help when stock is lost - that’s why shops do stocktake)

Question 36

Properties of Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS)

Answer 36

• Purchase total • Stock control • Barcodes/QR codes • Payments

Question 37

What is Production, Planning & Control Networking and how does it work

Answer 37

Multiple systems are used in the ordering, planning and manufacturing processes, but they must all work together to allow for seamless data interchange. RFID tags, QR codes and other systems are often used to track stock and e.c.t.

Question 38

Properties of Production, Planning & Control Networking

Answer 38

• Multiple systems • Product ordering • Product tracking • MPS (Master Production Schedule) (i.e what items does the shop need)

Question 39

What is Plotter Cutting and how does it work

Answer 39

A plotter cutter is a computer-controlled piece of equipment that is able to cut through vinyl, fabric, paper acrylic, and more. It is able to cut these materials into complex designs and shapes. Once your design is ready to go in the accompanying software, it is sent off to the cutter. It is here that the motors and gears cut through the material. Because plotter cutters have motors that move along both the x-axis and y-axis, there is a wide range of flexibility and freedom when it comes to cutting designs (Typically used for cutting vinyl)

Question 40

Advantages and Disadvantages of Plotter Cutting

Answer 40

Advantages: • They are capable of printing on various other materials like plastic sheets, cardboard, wood, aluminum, and steel. • Plotters can print with incredible speed and consistency. • They can work with almost 100% accuracy • A large number of printouts can be produced in less time. Disadvantages: • The plotters are large in size, therefore, need massive space for installation. • A plotter needs heavy maintenance. • They are not portable due to their huge size