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The use of finishes
Official AQA section 3.1.5.
7
Objectives
10
Flashcards
10
Questions
90 min
Study time
AqaA LevelDesign And Technology Product DesignTechnical principles
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Syllabus checklist
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7 objective pages available
The use of finishes7 objectives
- Students should be aware of the ways that paper and board can be finished to enhance their appearance or for improved function. Specific finishes to include: • laminating • embossing • debossing • varnishing, UV varnishing and spot varnishing • foil blocking. Ensure products are designed to take account of potential corrosion due to environmental factors. Paper and board printing processes.
- Students should be aware of the different types of printing processes and their suitability for specific products and scales of production. Specific processes to include: • screen printing • flexographic and offset lithographic printing • digital printing. Polymer finishing.
- Students should be aware of the ways that polymers can be finished to enhance their aesthetics or for improved function.
- Students should be aware that some polymers are self-finishing and that this should be considered as a polymer finish. Specific finishes to include: • acrylic spray paints • thermoplastic elastomer.
- Students should understand how pigments can be added to polymers in the moulding process, including: • gel coats when laminating GRP • smart pigments such as thermochromic or phosphorescent. Metal finishing.
- Students should be aware of the ways that metals can be finished to enhance their appearance or prevent corrosion. Including applied finishes: • cellulose paint • acrylic paint • electro-plating • dip coating • powder coating • galvanising • sealants • preservatives • anodising • plating • coating • cathodic protection. Wood finishing.
- Students should be aware of the ways that woods can be finished to enhance their appearance or prevent decay. Specific finishes to include: • applied finished: • polyurethane varnish • acrylic varnish • water based paints • stains • colour wash • wax finishes • danish oil • teak oil • pressure treating with chemical preservatives.
Key terms
LaminatingEmbossingSubstrateRelief PlatePowder CoatingUV StabilizerSelf-finishing polymerAcrylic spray paintThermochromic PigmentsPhosphorescent PigmentsElectro-platingPowder coating
Exam tips
- Understand the finishes: Familiarize yourself with various finishes and their applications to enhance your design work.
- Understand Process Suitability: Always relate the printing process to the specific product requirements and production scale in your answers.
Common mistakes
- Confusing embossing with debossing: Remember that embossing creates a raised effect, while debossing creates an indented effect.
- Confusing Printing Processes: Study the specific advantages and limitations of each printing method to understand their best applications.
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