Product design

Product design

1. Computer numerical control

   • Use of computers to control machines
   • Use of specific software using codes and data to control a piece of equipment
   • Example: CNC lathes and milling machines
   • Applications: CNC Laser cutter Reason: Produces profiles to a much finer detail
   • Application: Milling machine Reason: much safer to use than hand tools as there is no risk of getting cut on an exposed blade etc. and is much quicker and more accurate as human error is reduced to nil

2. Plywood

   • Use: cabinet backs/ bottoms of draws/ paneling
   • Cheaper than natural timers for example mahogany or teak
   • Very strong man made board due to the construction of veneer glued at 90 degrees to each other
   • Available in wide boards so paneling is easy to produce

3. Workshop equipment

   • Band saw: cutting acrylic sheets
   • Centre lathe: reducing diameter of an aluminium bar
   • Milling machine: cutting slots in to steel
   • Brazing hearth: annealing copper

4. Health and safety signs

   • Sanding/ applying a finish/ using adhesive: however only in low hazard situations
     • Needed so that lung damage is not caused by inhaling dust or fumes
   • Handling hot or sharp objects
     • Needed so as user does not burn hands or fingers when using hot materials
   • Adhesives
     • Super glue bonds instantly to skin and could cause disastrous effects if accidentally put on skin. Also super glue gives off harmful chemicals whereas UV hardening does not. Also UV hardening only sets when exposed to UV rays, and can therefore, if not exposed can still be removed from the skin should contact occour