Design and Technology (D&T) KS3: Marking shapes on metal
This short film demonstrates a variety of techniques that can be used to mark out most shapes on metal.
These techniques can be used for a huge range of RMT, product design and engineering applications and across many D&T projects.
Teacher Notes
Points for discussion
- The differences and similarities between marking on metal and on wood and plastics.
- The importance of accurate marking out as a basis for project quality control.
- Are there any differences between marking out on steel as opposed to, for example, copper, aluminium or brass?
- How can techniques from other disciplines, for example maths or art and design, be used to mark out more complex shapes on a metal?
- How can we use templates to mark out on repeated pieces of material to batch produce identical components?
- How, ideally, might you use a CAD/CAM method like laser cutting or CNC plasma cutting, to produce similar items commercially?
Suggested activities
Marking out on metal is used in the manufacturing process of a huge range of metal-based items and components, for example:
- Garden tool blades and tangs
- A bottle opener, FPT tool or a more open-ended multi-tool design and manufacture project
- Candle holders
- Ornamental ironwork and jewellery
- A whole range of potential components for lighting projects
- Tool-making projects
- A huge range of components that can be made for KS4 D&T coursework
Curriculum Notes
Suitable for teaching design and technology (D&T) at KS3/KS4 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 3rd/4th levels in Scotland.
