Unit 1

Question 1

What is automation?

Answer 1

Automation is the use of functions or algorithms or technology for minimal human intervention in tasks

Question 2

What is Cad?

Answer 2

Computer aided design, a software on a computer which helps designers help design their product before manufacture

Question 3

What is CAM?

Answer 3

Computer aided manufacturing, the help of hardware to manufacture a product

Question 4

What is CNC?

Answer 4

Computer numerical control is an automated control of machine tools by computer

Question 5

What is RPT?

Answer 5

Rapid prototyping is a method of quickly creating a physical model or prototypes using certain techniques like printing

Question 6

Explain the stages of the production line using an example of toy blocks

Answer 6

• Delivery depot: raw materials in stock forms
• Workshop: wood cut into block shapes and sanded
• spray shop: graphics applied and lacquered
• Packaging: blocks are packaged
• Distribution: completed blocks are shipped to customers

Question 7

What is an enterprise in relation to design?

Answer 7

An enterprise is an idea that has cultivated into a business proposal that can be sold as a product

Question 8

Which is the biggest growth area for start ups?

Answer 8

App design and development

Question 9

What is a patent and how does it help?

Answer 9

A patent is a legal process of proving you are the first person to have registered a certain idea or invention. This should stop other companies from using your patented design and so the business who has applied a patent can generate more money due to less competition.

Question 10

What is crowdfunding?

Answer 10

Crowdfunding is a popular way for designers an creative entrepreneurs to raise enough money to gain small contributions from investors who believe the product has a future.

Question 11

What is virtual marketing and virtual retail?

Answer 11

Trying to reach a wider audience and potential client bases through the use of social media, websites and emails

Question 12

What is SEO?

Answer 12

Search engine optimisation is a subtle form of virtual marketing where companies try to boost their website search results higher than their competition so that their website is in the first page of results for as many relevant keywords as possible.

Question 13

What is a cooperative?

Answer 13

A cooperative is an enterprise which is owned and run by its members. This is a cost effective way of selling goods and services and are frequently based around local community.

Question 14

What is Fairtrade?

Answer 14

Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in less economically developed countries.

Question 15

What are finite resources

Answer 15

Resources that are in limited supply

Question 16

What are infinite resources

Answer 16

Resources that are in abundant supply

Question 17

List the ways the impact of the use of resources on the environment can be measured

Answer 17

• CO2 emissions
• Transportation methods and distance travelled
• impact on the environment through mining or harvesting
• impact on availability or scarcity
• maintenance and repair costs
• welfare of workers in the supply

Question 19

Explain the life cycle assessment

Answer 19

• extraction of raw materials: the amount of energy used to extract raw material from the earth, or to produce it through farming or or their methods, and process it ready for manufacturing
• production: transformation assembly: the energy required to manipulate the raw and refined materials into a product ready for sale
• distribution: logistics transports: the packaging and transportation of the product to the end user
• Use: includes operation, maintenance and reusing; the energy the product and any related consumables used during its working life or useful lifetime
• End of life: recycling and straight back to production house or wasted and exits cycle; the energy that is required to recycle the product/ disposing of any waste.

Question 20

What is a LCA?

Answer 20

The life cycle assessment is a way for companies to assess the environment impact of a product during the different stages.

Question 21

Explain the positive effects of carefully planning waste disposal

Answer 21

• Less raw materials are required
• Waste materials are reused internally for alternative parts and products
• some of the cost of materials is recouped through the sale of recyclable waste
• energy to hear and power a business may be generated

Question 22

What is Kaizen?

Answer 22

Kaizen is a Japanese philosophy of making small yet continuous improvements. This heat helped reduce waste and increase efficiency when it comes to manufacturing

Question 23

What is carbon neutral?

Answer 23

Carbon neutral is if it produces 0 net emissions of carbon dioxide then the LCA has take all actions into consideration

Question 24

The stages for carbon zero emissions for companies

Answer 24

• Reduce energy use and CO2 emissions through more efficient user behaviour
• Improve energy efficiency with more efficient user behaviour
• incorporate renewable energy
• purchase carbon offsets

Question 25

What is a technology push?

Answer 25

A technology push is when designers, engineers and technologists use a new scientific discovery use it in their products, despite there being no consumer evidence.

Question 26

Why is a new technology expensive?

Answer 26

- high Research and Development costs - normally there are a number of issues to correct in the first few models

Question 27

What is market pull?

Answer 27

Market pull describes consumer demand as the driving force behind new products. It also puts pressures on companies to constantly improve their products.

Question 28

What is the definition of culture?

Answer 28

Culture is the amalgamation of ideas, beliefs, customs and social behaviours of a society or group of people.

Question 29

Areas of evaluation of impact of product on environment.

Answer 29

- Products that are produced by carbon neutral means • Products that are made from renewable materials • Products that reduce carbon emissions and/or other greenhouse gasses in use • Products that reuse existing materials or use recycled materials • Products designed to be 100% recyclable • Products that are designed to help or ease suffering or that promote fair trade • Products that are made and sold locally to avoid transportation costs and associated pollution

Question 30

What is inclusive design?

Answer 30

Inclusive design is a philosophy and process focused on creating products, services, and environments that are accessible and usable by the widest range of people, regardless of their abilities, disabilities, or circumstances

Question 31

What is PDM?

Answer 31

Product data management is the term used for automated systems, in which information is stored centrally, updated life and is accessible by all employees that need the most up to date information

Question 32

What are the advantages of CAD?

Answer 32

Designs can be altered easily It can be faster to draw designs and complex shapes, saving labour costs and development and time Designs are easily saved and historic versions kept or archived Designs or parts of designs can be easily copied or repeated Designs can be sent by email for approval and manufacture Designs can be worked on by whole teams simultaneously Designs can be rendered to look photorealistic to gather public opinion in a range of finishes Designs can be simulated to judge ease of manufacture CAD software can process complex stress testing and associated calculations to predict the behaviour of a product before production

Question 33

What are the disadvantages of CAD?

Answer 33

CAD software is complex to learn Software can be very expensive Compatibility issues with software Security issues - risk of data being corrupted or hacked Software often subject to regular updates Ever increasing demand on computer memory and graphics Data can be lost in power cuts / outage

Question 34

What are the advantages of CAM?

Answer 34

Faster than traditional machines and tools More accurate than traditional methods High repetitive accuracy Machines can run 24/7 CAM machines can do work that is traditionally done by skilled workers and has led to unemployment in many manufacturing sectors Can produce work directly from CAD files

Question 35

What are the disadvantages of CAM?

Answer 35

Expensive set up costs for equipment Training costs and time CAM machines need specialist engineers when they need maintaining or repairing

Question 36

What is a FMS?

Answer 36

A flexible manufacturing system is a collection of automated machines that are adaptable. They are better equipped for batch production.

Question 37

What is lean manufacturing?

Answer 37

Lean manufacturing is based on an ethos of eliminating in manufacture.

Question 38

What is JIT?

Answer 38

Just in time production method is a production method where customers are able to get the right product at the right time. A customer’s order triggers the production process so that space is not taking up storage.

Question 39

Advantages of JIT?

Answer 39

saves on storage costs • money is in the bank before outlay is needed on unused materials and additional storage • Money is not tied up in unsold stock • Materials and components are supplied just when needed, saving financial outlay on unused materials and additional storage. • Improved competitiveness results from minimal waste of materials and time • Stock does not become old, out of date or obsolete • High reliance on making sure products are 'right first time' means less time is spent correcting mistakes, or money wasted on faulty products • Almost all waste is reused or recycled, meaning there is little or no landfill waste produced

Question 40

Disadvantages of JIT?

Answer 40

Relies on high quality, fast and reliable supply chain for raw materials and components • All production could stop if the supply chain breaks down • Stock is not ready to be purchased off the shelf; some consumers prefer not to wait at all and some sales could be lost • Usually a deposit or the whole cost of the product needs to be paid upfront which could be offputting for some consumers • Discounts from suppliers for bulk purchasing of materials may be not available

Question 41

Why do designers and manufacturers use planned obsolescence?

Answer 41

- Appropriately engineered quality: If a product needs to last for a short period of time the it would be a waste of minerals and energy to ensure that it is robust enough to last a long time. - upgrading and function: some products are designed to receive updates or be upgraded. More frequent upgrades mean lower life span as customers will wait for a significant upgrade. - To keep market share: Companies stay ahead of their competitors by creating the latest “must have” item. Regular customers will feel the need of having the new item. - Fashion and trends: Many goods are sold as novelty items. A Christmas item would not be designed to last.

Question 42

Responsi,be end of life designs include…?

Answer 42

- As few materials as possible - recycled and recyclable materials where possible - Built in reusability Easy-to-separate materials avoiding permanent binding methods.