R3 Effects of combining materials
This area of the audit has been marked at '1' meaning very little knowledge if not any at all.
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What I have learnt and what I now understand
I now have learnt that when designing products materials are often combined for a number of different reasons: Practical reasons, for aesthetic purposes, to be cost efficient, or for functioning qualities. I would say that during my time on this course I have consciously and subconsciously thought about these different reasons when combining materials to create my piece of work.
Dean explained to us the other day that this term often raises questions when you look at products that we use on a day to day basis. For example - why has a particular chair used a metal frame to support the weight and base of the chair which is then made out of plastic? I have learnt that once you start to draw up questions like this it can then help you to understand why the designers have combined the materials to create the final product.
I now understand that when you are designing and building your own work it is important to raise such questions. in addition to this, I feel that as a designer you need to be aware of the working properties of the materials as well, as it can help you determine which material is going to be suitable for the manufacturing process and so that it also meets requirements of the users. I know now that each reason to combine a material is valid and important to consider, whether it is for aesthetics, whilst deciding which piece of wood is going to compliment a metal frame or thinking about the cost efficiency of a material from the expense to it's availability.
Later on in my learning I have also realised and understood that combining materials also include things like the chemical reactions of materials when they come into contact with other materials. For example in my experience so far I understand that when using the etching tank the ferric chloride will erode away the copper on a PCB leaving you with the tracks, therefore this would be an example of what happens when you combine materials together. Furthermore, during a Crit session today I also learnt that when you combine aluminum and steel together over time they will erode, one of my course mates project is actually using these two materials so it was useful to find this out. It made me think about other factors to consider when combining materials together and therefore I now realise that it is a important part of any design process and can ultimately shape your final product. In terms of chemical reactions between materials when they are combined I am aware that there are obviously other examples of this, but the two I have spoken about are just examples that I have experienced or have learnt so far in the process of the course.
As I have began exploring other areas of the audit through my own research and engagement I have now realised and learn that in some sense combining materials also links quite closely to the classification of materials in some way. For example Alloys are a combination of metals to create a new type of metal, the purpose of combining different materials is to change the proprieties to create something better or more suitable for the purpose required. You also get manufactured wood for example plywood which also uses different types of wood and changes properties.
To conclude and summarise
Just so that I am clear of what this term means to 'combining materials' or the 'combination of materials, I now have learnt that it can include and mean the following:
I now have learnt that when designing products materials are often combined for a number of different reasons: Practical reasons, for aesthetic purposes, to be cost efficient, or for functioning qualities. I would say that during my time on this course I have consciously and subconsciously thought about these different reasons when combining materials to create my piece of work.
Dean explained to us the other day that this term often raises questions when you look at products that we use on a day to day basis. For example - why has a particular chair used a metal frame to support the weight and base of the chair which is then made out of plastic? I have learnt that once you start to draw up questions like this it can then help you to understand why the designers have combined the materials to create the final product.
I now understand that when you are designing and building your own work it is important to raise such questions. in addition to this, I feel that as a designer you need to be aware of the working properties of the materials as well, as it can help you determine which material is going to be suitable for the manufacturing process and so that it also meets requirements of the users. I know now that each reason to combine a material is valid and important to consider, whether it is for aesthetics, whilst deciding which piece of wood is going to compliment a metal frame or thinking about the cost efficiency of a material from the expense to it's availability.
Later on in my learning I have also realised and understood that combining materials also include things like the chemical reactions of materials when they come into contact with other materials. For example in my experience so far I understand that when using the etching tank the ferric chloride will erode away the copper on a PCB leaving you with the tracks, therefore this would be an example of what happens when you combine materials together. Furthermore, during a Crit session today I also learnt that when you combine aluminum and steel together over time they will erode, one of my course mates project is actually using these two materials so it was useful to find this out. It made me think about other factors to consider when combining materials together and therefore I now realise that it is a important part of any design process and can ultimately shape your final product. In terms of chemical reactions between materials when they are combined I am aware that there are obviously other examples of this, but the two I have spoken about are just examples that I have experienced or have learnt so far in the process of the course.
As I have began exploring other areas of the audit through my own research and engagement I have now realised and learn that in some sense combining materials also links quite closely to the classification of materials in some way. For example Alloys are a combination of metals to create a new type of metal, the purpose of combining different materials is to change the proprieties to create something better or more suitable for the purpose required. You also get manufactured wood for example plywood which also uses different types of wood and changes properties.
To conclude and summarise
Just so that I am clear of what this term means to 'combining materials' or the 'combination of materials, I now have learnt that it can include and mean the following:
- Practical reasons
- For aesthetic purposes
- To be cost efficient
- For functioning qualities
- The chemical reactions or the awareness of such reactions when combining materials
- The combinations of two materials to create another material - changing properties for the better or for the purpose of the product, for example Alloys.
Analysis of new gained knowledge and the next step
When I first started the course and approached this area of the audit I graded it as a '1' meaning no knowledge or very little at all. To be honest I think that this is a fair enough mark because I really did not have any experience what so ever or knew what it meant to combine materials. However, I now feel that I have developed in my learning within this area and now feel much more comfortable about what it means in a Design and Technology context. Hopefully, I have shown this so far in my writing within this section of the audit. During my engagement and time learning this new area of knowledge as a learner I found I have been successful in my development but also slightly unsuccessful and perhaps could have progressed further.
Generally speaking I think that I have been successful as a learner at selecting the principles of what this area of the audit means. I know and have learnt that 'combining materials' covers a range of areas so I think to begin with it could have been very easy for me to get bogged down and overwhelmed with all of the information. But I have learnt it in sections and therefore I think that this has helped me to understand the importance of combing materials as well as the basic principles. For instance, I could have learnt huge amounts about the difference examples of chemical reactions when you combine two materials together but I felt that it would not be appropriate or even helpful at this stage. Instead I have just shown that I am aware of the principle and explained how I have learnt through my own experiences during the course. This skill of learning and understanding or pinning down the main concepts is something I felt has been something I have developed over time during this year, and realised that each section of the audit although should be addressed in detail it is most important to show that you understand the concept of the area.
In addition, I felt that I have been successful as a learner when I was able to make links with other sections of the audit. I realised that 'combining materials' can also be transferred or referred to when disusing the 'classification and structure of materials' once I was able to make this link I felt that the content become a little clearer because I was transferring the skills and understanding more about the different areas that it could include or entail. In my opinion, as a learner and as a future teacher being able to make links and transfer knowledge within the subject can support a better method of teaching and translate and display content to pupils in a more concise and clearer way.
The only time that I felt I have been unsuccessful in my learning stages during this time was actually to be able to demonstrate within the audit that I am conscious of these factors and principles and have demonstrating this within my own work. For example I could have looked back at my own work and shown how I have made the decisions based on the principles that I have learnt about during this time. Further more, I could have looked at other products in the industry or on the market and briefly explained why I think the designers have used the particular materials to create the final product. I think that this leads nicely to my next step in further development within this section of the audit. I want to show a few examples of some products that I have looked and and show that I have a basic understanding as to why the materials have been combined and why I have selected them, I also wish to also include a piece of work and explain the decisions that I have made when combining materials.
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When I first started the course and approached this area of the audit I graded it as a '1' meaning no knowledge or very little at all. To be honest I think that this is a fair enough mark because I really did not have any experience what so ever or knew what it meant to combine materials. However, I now feel that I have developed in my learning within this area and now feel much more comfortable about what it means in a Design and Technology context. Hopefully, I have shown this so far in my writing within this section of the audit. During my engagement and time learning this new area of knowledge as a learner I found I have been successful in my development but also slightly unsuccessful and perhaps could have progressed further.
Generally speaking I think that I have been successful as a learner at selecting the principles of what this area of the audit means. I know and have learnt that 'combining materials' covers a range of areas so I think to begin with it could have been very easy for me to get bogged down and overwhelmed with all of the information. But I have learnt it in sections and therefore I think that this has helped me to understand the importance of combing materials as well as the basic principles. For instance, I could have learnt huge amounts about the difference examples of chemical reactions when you combine two materials together but I felt that it would not be appropriate or even helpful at this stage. Instead I have just shown that I am aware of the principle and explained how I have learnt through my own experiences during the course. This skill of learning and understanding or pinning down the main concepts is something I felt has been something I have developed over time during this year, and realised that each section of the audit although should be addressed in detail it is most important to show that you understand the concept of the area.
In addition, I felt that I have been successful as a learner when I was able to make links with other sections of the audit. I realised that 'combining materials' can also be transferred or referred to when disusing the 'classification and structure of materials' once I was able to make this link I felt that the content become a little clearer because I was transferring the skills and understanding more about the different areas that it could include or entail. In my opinion, as a learner and as a future teacher being able to make links and transfer knowledge within the subject can support a better method of teaching and translate and display content to pupils in a more concise and clearer way.
The only time that I felt I have been unsuccessful in my learning stages during this time was actually to be able to demonstrate within the audit that I am conscious of these factors and principles and have demonstrating this within my own work. For example I could have looked back at my own work and shown how I have made the decisions based on the principles that I have learnt about during this time. Further more, I could have looked at other products in the industry or on the market and briefly explained why I think the designers have used the particular materials to create the final product. I think that this leads nicely to my next step in further development within this section of the audit. I want to show a few examples of some products that I have looked and and show that I have a basic understanding as to why the materials have been combined and why I have selected them, I also wish to also include a piece of work and explain the decisions that I have made when combining materials.
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Further Development
The picture here is an example of my church chair that I have created for the Design Innovation module. I have not necessarily combined materials however there is a reason for selecting them and not combining them if that makes sense?
First of all the materials that I have combined and used have been selected not because of chemical reaction reasons and I have not combine materials to create better properties so these two principles of 'combining materials' can be ruled out.
I have purely selected and combined this materials for the following reasons:
Below are two pictures that I have sourced from the internet that I feel are good examples of when designers have combined materials.
The Bench
The two materials that have been combined are metal and wood. I understand that although wood is strong as a structure, metal is going to be a great deal stronger and durable especially if it is in constant use and outside. In some sense it would last longer than wood? Another practical reasons as to why these materials have been selected and combine is that, although I am aware that wood can be heavy, the metal frame here adds more weight to the bench therefore it reduces the risk of anyone tying to steal it - if it is in a public place this is a factor that I feel people do consider.
The table
The two materials that have been combined here are glass and metal. Practically, I think that metal is much more sturdier to hold the weight of the glass, although wood is strong and sturdy I think glass can be quite heavy and so can wood as a structure, so perhaps metal has been used rather than wood to make it easier to maneuver. Aesthetically I feel that metal and glass look quite modern and compliment each other although you do see glass tables made from wood the look that the designers seem to want to create is a modern, fresh clean feel.
First of all the materials that I have combined and used have been selected not because of chemical reaction reasons and I have not combine materials to create better properties so these two principles of 'combining materials' can be ruled out.
I have purely selected and combined this materials for the following reasons:
- Practical reasons - Wood can be light depending on the type you use, but it also is easy to shape and work with and easily available. The material lasts long and is strong and durable. If I choose plastic rather than wood I do not feel that it would last as long and perhaps could not cope with the constant use and different forces.
- For aesthetic purposes - You often seen wood in churches and therefore as a material in this circumstance it suits the environment for which it is designed. You can apply a nice finish on the material which also is pleasing to the surroundings and users. I feel that aesthetically plastic and metal would not be as pleasing and would stand out compared to the other interior objects and furniture in the church.
- For functioning qualities - The mechanism of the chair moving up and down works better in my opinion with wood, there is a option of using metal but I feel that the look could be effected. Dowel is perfectly good as a material to use and also compliments the oak.
- Cost efficiency - In terms of this, Oak can be quite expensive but the quality of the chairs are supposed to be to a high standard so I am aware that using this material is not necessarily practical.
Below are two pictures that I have sourced from the internet that I feel are good examples of when designers have combined materials.
The Bench
The two materials that have been combined are metal and wood. I understand that although wood is strong as a structure, metal is going to be a great deal stronger and durable especially if it is in constant use and outside. In some sense it would last longer than wood? Another practical reasons as to why these materials have been selected and combine is that, although I am aware that wood can be heavy, the metal frame here adds more weight to the bench therefore it reduces the risk of anyone tying to steal it - if it is in a public place this is a factor that I feel people do consider.
The table
The two materials that have been combined here are glass and metal. Practically, I think that metal is much more sturdier to hold the weight of the glass, although wood is strong and sturdy I think glass can be quite heavy and so can wood as a structure, so perhaps metal has been used rather than wood to make it easier to maneuver. Aesthetically I feel that metal and glass look quite modern and compliment each other although you do see glass tables made from wood the look that the designers seem to want to create is a modern, fresh clean feel.
I think it has been useful to look at my own work and other products that combine materials. It has helped me to think more about the reasons as to why designers and manufactures use these principles within their own work. I feel that this has supported my progress and further development within my area and has taught me to apply and practices this within my own work in the future of the course and my teaching career.