Question 1: Define the term 'shaping' in the context of Design and Technology. Why is shaping important in product design?

Answer: Shaping refers to the process of forming or altering the shape of a material to achieve a desired form. It is important because it allows designers to create functional and aesthetically pleasing products that fit specific requirements.

Question 2: Describe a situation where a woodworking shaping process such as carving or turning would be appropriate. Explain your reasoning.

Answer: A situation could be creating a decorative wooden bowl. Carving is appropriate because it allows detailed shaping of the interior and exterior of the bowl, giving it an aesthetic and functional form.

Question 3: Sketch a simple design for a ergonomic handle for a kitchen utensil. Label key features that make it comfortable to hold.

Answer: A sketch should show a handle with a curved, contoured shape that fits comfortably in the hand. Labels should include 'curved shape,' 'non-slip material,' and 'smooth edges' to indicate comfort and safety.

Question 4: Explain how a pressing process can be used to shape sheet metal. Include the key equipment involved.

Answer: Pressing involves placing sheet metal into a die and using a press machine to apply force, which molds the metal into the desired shape. Key equipment includes the press machine, dies, and a clamping system.

Question 5: Design a plan for shaping a piece of plastic into a specific form, such as a container. Include the shaping method you would use and steps involved.

Answer: Use thermoforming: first, heat a plastic sheet until pliable, then place it over a mold. Apply vacuum or pressure to form the plastic to the shape of the mold. Once cooled, trim excess material to complete the container.

Question 6: Draw a cross-sectional view of a product made using the forging process. Indicate the flow of material and the main tools used.

Answer: A correct sketch shows a metal billet being deformed under a hammer or press, with arrows indicating material flow, and labels for the hammer, die, and billet.

Question 7: Identify three different shaping processes suitable for working with wood, metal, and plastic. For each, briefly describe when it would be used.

Answer: Wood: Carving – used for decorative details; Metal: Forging – used to create strong joints or parts; Plastic: Thermoforming – used to produce containers or shells.

Question 8: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a moulding process versus a shaping process in manufacturing.

Answer: Moulding allows mass production of complex shapes quickly and consistently but requires expensive molds and setup. Shaping is more suitable for custom or small batch work but is often slower and less uniform.

Question 9: Sketch a plan for shaping a piece of clay into a small sculpture. Include notes on tools and techniques you would use.

Answer: A sketch should show a rough outline of the sculpture with annotations such as 'use fingers for smoothing,' 'carving tools for details,' and 'pinching technique for shaping small areas.'

Question 10: Imagine you need to shape a piece of foam into a protective casing. Which shaping method would you choose and why? Outline the steps involved.

Answer: Foam can be shaped using cutting and carving with a sharp knife or hot wire cutter. Steps: mark the desired shape, carefully cut along the lines, smooth edges, and adjust as needed for fit and protection.