Joining and Finishing

What this unit covers

This unit sits in the Manufacturing and Making strand of Design and technology. It pairs two ideas: how parts are held together, and how a surface is protected or decorated once the making is done. Almost everything here is a mind map, with a few flowcharts, two quizzes and a flashcard deck.

Joining: where to begin

Start with the Joining Processes flashcard deck. It asks plain questions, such as the types of joining processes in metal, the types in wood joints and the temporary joining processes in knock down joints.

Then move to the maps, which go deeper:

• Non-Mechanical Joints 2 covers specialised welding, including resistance, spot and seam welding, ultrasonic welding that uses acoustic vibration, and brazing and soldering.
• Other maps focus on single topics, such as Soldering, Rivets, Chemical Joints, Mechanical Joining and Metal joining techniques.

Finishing: from preparation to decoration

The Preparation Tools map lists abrasives such as aluminium oxide and silicon carbide, primers for metal, and sealers and knotting solution for timber and plaster. The Surface Finishes map explains how files smooth and shape metal.

Several maps called Finishes ask why a finish is applied: to protect against corrosion, make a surface water repellent, resist wear, or reflect or insulate heat. They split into metals, woods and plastics, with anodising, electroplating, tanalising, varnishes and paints. The Finishings map also covers calendaring, the industrial equivalent of ironing for fabric.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a map first, then test yourself. The quiz Producing specialist decorative finishes quiz asks about abrasives for an oil borne ground coating and suitable ground coats for a water borne system. Its Level 2 follow-up covers broken colour effects and the paper used for a glaze and wipe effect. If a question catches you out, go back to the matching map.

The flowcharts show how students planned joints in acrylic parts of their own artefacts, which is useful for seeing a project written up. Project maps such as the Jewellery Box and the Hutch show joining and finishing in a finished design.

Next step

Choose one map that matches what you are studying, then try a quiz. Teachers can use the maps as ready-made starting points for a lesson.