Construction and Mechanical Technologies
Construction and Mechanical technologies focus on knowledge and skills associated with working resistant materials and textiles to create technological outcomes, understanding structures and machines, and modifying and creating patterns. Students develop and understandings and skills related to constructing a quality outcome.
The components of Construction and Mechanical Technologies follow.
Construct a Resistant Materials Product
Construct a resistant material’s product requires students to implement procedures and tests to make specified products using resistant materials.
Learning objectives, indicators of progression, and teacher guidance
Construct a Textiles Product
Construct a textile material’s product requires students to implement techniques and procedures and tests to make specified products using textile materials.
Learning objectives, indicators of progression, and teacher guidance
Knowledge of Resistant Materials Construction
Resistant Materials refer to a group of materials that are grouped together because they show certain common characteristics. These characteristics include:
- tensile strength
- compressive resistance
- hardness
- malleability
- ductility
- elasticity
- grain.
Such materials are broadly categorised as wood, metal, ceramics, plastics, glass and their composites. Particular resistant materials exhibit characteristics to a greater or lesser extent. Resistant materials are often sub categorised. For example, hardwood and softwood, thermosetting and thermoplastics, alloys and pure metals.
Learning objectives, indicators of progression, and teacher guidance
Construct a Specified Product Using CNC Machines
Construct a specified product requires students to implement procedures and tests to make specified products using Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machines.
Initially, students learn to perform a sequence of techniques and tests to make specified products using CNC machines that meet specifications.
Students should progress to performing complex procedures, which incorporate the use of CNC machines to make specified products that meets specifications.
Learning objectives, indicators of progression, and teacher guidance
Knowledge of Textiles Construction
Textile Materials refer to a group of materials that are grouped together because they show certain common characteristics. These materials include (but are not limited to) natural and synthetic fibres, yarns, knits and woven fabrics.
Learning objectives, indicators of progression, and teacher guidance
Knowledge of Structures
A structure refers to framework that is used to support a load or loads. A framework is comprised of structural members that are assembled using pin or fixed joints.
The integrity of a framework is reliant on the strength, weight, material and profile of its structural members, the combination and means of joining structural members, and the safety factors applied to the structure.
Learning objectives, indicators of progression, and teacher guidance
Knowledge of Machines
Machines consist of fixed and moving parts that modify mechanical energy and transmit it in a more useful form. A simple machine — such as a lever, a pulley, or an inclined plane — alters the magnitude, direction, or both of these of an applied force.
Complex machines have internal energy systems (electric motors, steam engines, turbines, combustion engines, solar energy systems, nuclear systems) that combine with levers, inclined planes and screws to enable the machine to perform their intended functions.
Learning objectives, indicators of progression, and teacher guidance
Pattern Making
Pattern making includes stills in pattern adaptation and pattern drafting. Pattern drafting requires using a pattern block or establishing a working drawing based on key measurements. These are used to develop a pattern which interprets a garments or items design including its special features.
Patterns are tested using toiles and mock-ups to make sure pattern pieces correctly interpret a design and its special features.
Learning objectives, indicators of progression, and teacher guidance
Create an applied design
Implement procedures to create an applied design for a specified product requires students to learn how applied designs and complex procedures can be used to create specified products.
Learning objectives, indicators of progression, and teacher guidance