Material Properties 2

In this presentation there will be images of a range of different products. Think about what the properties are of the materials that

are being utilised in each product. You will need your notes to help you identify the relevant properties. Below is an example.

Aluminium body. Excellent thermal conductivity to allow heat energy to transfer from the hob to the food. A malleable material so that it can be formed into the desired shape.

Glass lid. Transparent so that the user can see what is happening to the food.

Phenol formaldehyde handle. Excellent insulator so that user cannot burn their hand and can be moulded easily into shape. Will not melt when heat is applied because it is a thermoset.

This is a bicycle frame made from mild steel. What are the properties of mild steel that have been used beneficially?

This is the raw material, mild steel tubing with connector lugs. The frame would have been brazed together.

Toughness. Mild steel will be able to flex slightly to absorb bumps as the bike is ridden

Ductility. Mild steel is quite ductile therefore it can be drawn out into tubes.

Bending strength. In tubular form, mild steel has good bending strength. Can be brazed easily so that it can be

fabricated into the frame shape.

High density polythene (HDPE) bucket – injection moulded

Low melting point, therefore it can be easily moulded when injection moulded.

HDPE is very chemical resistant therefore it will not react badly with detergents, bleaches, soaps and other chemicals that a bucket usually holds.

HDPE is very tough and flexible so it will not break easily if dropped or kicked over

HDPE comes in a wide range of opaque colours.

HDPE is waterproof so it will be able to hold liquids safely.

Cordless drill with ABS thermoplastic body – Injection moulded

Low melting point, therefore it can be easily moulded when injection moulded.

ABS is very tough so it will not break easily if dropped or kicked over.

Low melting point, therefore it can be easily moulded when injection moulded.

HDPE comes in a wide range of opaque colours.

ABS is an insulator so the user will not come into contact with any live electrical components

Teak garden bench

Teak is naturally oily so it will be durable and resist the effects of different weather conditions

It is a hard hardwood and will therefore not get damaged easily due to wear or scratching.

It has good compressive and tensile strength and therefore it can withstand the load of people sitting on it.

Teak is a close grained material therefore joints can be cut very accurately to a high tolerance.

Electrical plug – Urea Formaldehyde body – Compression Moulded

Brass connector pins.

Urea formaldehyde is a themosetting plastic, therefore if there is an electrical fault the plug will not melt.

Urea formaldehyde is an insulator so the user will not come into contact with any live electrical components

Brass is a hard non-ferrous metal, therefore the pins will not wear as they are being pushed in and out of a socket.

Brass is an excellent electrical conductor, therefore electrical energy will be transferred easily from the mains to the appliance.

Mild steel Hanging Basket bracket – Fabricated by brazing or welding

Mild steel is a malleable material therefore it can be bent and twisted into the desired shape relatively easy.

Mild steel can easily have a finish applied therefore it will withstand being outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

Mild steel has good bending strength for this application.

Mild steel can be fabricated easily by brazing or welding.

Cast aluminium hanging basket bracket – sand cast

Aluminium has a low melting point so it can be cast easily

Aluminium is very durable therefore it will not rust or degrade when outside

As it can be cast easily, intricate and complicated shapes can be made.

Aluminium is relatively lightweight, therefore it is easy to install.

Chocolate tray vacuum formed in PET thermoplastic

Plasticises (softens) at a low temperature so if can be vacuum formed easily

PET will not react with food so it will be safe to contain the chocolates

PET comes in a wide range of colours to match the rest of the packaging

PET is a thermoplastic so it can be recycled easily

Child’s toy - beech

Beech is hard so it will withstand knocks and dents.

Beech is close grained so it can be carved and shaped with a high degree of accuracy.

Beech will take paint, varnish or stain finishes well.

Beech has good compressive strength and toughness which means the material should not break easliy.