Processing Materials

Properties and processing of wood, metal, plastic

Working with Materials

Technology uses many materials: wood, metal, plastic and composites. Each has different properties (hard, soft, flexible, rigid, conductive). Processing techniques include cutting, shaping, joining and finishing. Choosing the right material for a job depends on its properties and the application.

Example

Materials and Properties

Wood: natural, easy to cut, can rot → furniture, frames Metal: strong, conducts heat/electricity, can rust → structures, tools Plastic: lightweight, waterproof, mouldable → packaging, cases Processing: • Cutting: saw, drill, laser • Shaping: bending, filing, turning • Joining: nails, screws, glue, welding • Finishing: sanding, painting, varnishing

Note

Remember

Always use safety equipment when processing materials: goggles for cutting, gloves for sharp edges, dust mask for sanding. Choose materials based on requirements: strength, weight, cost, appearance and availability. Consider environmental impact — can the material be recycled?

Key Vocabulary

PropertyA characteristic of a material (hard, flexible, conductive)

ProcessingChanging the shape or form of a material

JoiningConnecting two pieces of material together

FinishingFinal treatment of a surface (painting, sanding, varnishing)

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