Glossary

A mixture of two or more metals, or a metal and another element, to improve properties. Examples: brass (copper + zinc), steel (iron + carbon).

Manufacturing a set quantity of identical products. Each batch goes through each stage of production before the next batch begins.

British Standards Institute — sets standards for products to ensure safety and quality.

Computer Aided Design — using computer software to create 2D or 3D designs of products.

Computer Aided Manufacture — using computer-controlled machines to manufacture products.

The total amount of greenhouse gases produced to support human activities, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent.

When a product is intentionally designed to become outdated or unfashionable after a period of time, encouraging consumers to buy a replacement.

A trading partnership that aims to achieve greater equity in international trade, ensuring fair wages and good working conditions for producers in developing countries.

A metal that contains iron, such as mild steel, medium carbon steel, and high carbon steel. Ferrous metals are generally magnetic and prone to rust.

Grams per square metre — the unit used to measure the weight/thickness of paper and board.

Timber from broad-leaved, deciduous trees (e.g. oak, beech). Generally harder and more durable but slower growing.

Continuous manufacture of large quantities of identical products using automated machinery. Also called mass production.

A manufacturing process where molten plastic is injected under pressure into a mould. Used for high volume production of complex shapes.

International Standards Organisation — sets internationally agreed standards for products and processes.

A device that holds a workpiece in position and guides a cutting tool to ensure accuracy and repeatability in production.

A method to determine the environmental impact of a product from cradle to grave — from raw material extraction through to disposal.

When consumer demand drives the development of a new product or technology.

Medium Density Fibreboard — a manufactured timber board made from compressed wood fibres and resin. Smooth surface, no grain, easy to cut.

A shape memory alloy made from nickel and titanium that returns to a predetermined shape when heated.

A metal that does not contain iron, such as aluminium, copper, and brass. Non-ferrous metals are generally non-magnetic and more resistant to corrosion.

Manufacturing a single unique product to a customer’s individual requirements. Also called bespoke or job production.

A material that changes colour in response to changes in light intensity.

A thermoplastic material that becomes mouldable at low temperatures (around 62°C) and can be reshaped many times.

The stages a product goes through from introduction to decline: Introduction, Growth, Maturity, Decline.

QTC — a smart material whose electrical resistance decreases significantly when compressed, used in switches and sensors.

A metal alloy (e.g. Nitinol) that returns to its original shape when heated after being deformed.

The six principles of sustainability: Rethink, Reuse, Recycle, Repair, Reduce, Refuse.

Timber from coniferous, evergreen trees (e.g. Scots pine, western red cedar). Generally easier to work and cheaper than hardwood.

Meeting today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

When new technology drives the creation of products that consumers did not previously know they needed.

A material that changes colour in response to changes in temperature.

A plastic that can be repeatedly softened by heating and reshaped, e.g. acrylic, polypropylene, ABS, PVC.

A plastic that is permanently set during manufacture and cannot be re-melted or reshaped, e.g. urea formaldehyde, melamine, epoxy resin.

A process where a heated thermoplastic sheet is stretched over a mould and air is removed to form the shape.