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      Surface treatments and finishes: communal areas

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can finish the surface of a product to a high standard.

      Key learning points

      1. The type of surface finish depends on the material, product and purpose.
      2. Some materials, such as polymers, can be self-finishing and not require additional processes or finishes.

      Keywords

      • Self-finishing - a processed material requiring no additional finishing

      • Additive - a substance added to something else to improve or alter it

      • Finishing - a process that adds surface treatment to improve how a material looks, feels, or performs

      Common misconception

      All materials have additional surface finishes applied.

      Some materials, such as polymers, can be self-finishing and do not require additional processes or finishes.

      Teacher tip

      It would be great if students had the opportunity to handle different polymer examples and compare the finishes.

      Equipment

      Handling collection of different polymers.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the key word to the definition.

      Correct Answer:quality assurance,ensuring production prevents mistakes and maintains quality
      Correct Answer:quality control,checks made on a product before, during and after its production
      Correct Answer:tolerance,the acceptable range of variation in a product's dimensions

      Q2.
      Quality assurance is about checking the planning and processes. It focuses on problems before they happen.

      Correct Answer: preventing, stopping

      Q3.
      What would be the most suitable method of presenting a manufacturing plan?

      rough notes
      Correct answer: Gantt chart
      voice recording
      short video

      Q4.
      A product’s tolerance is shown as a number with a __________ in front of it.

      Correct answer: ±
      +
      -
      =

      Q5.
      A component with a length of 20 mm has a tolerance of ± 0.5 mm. Select the acceptable lengths.

      20.6 mm
      Correct answer: 19.6 mm
      Correct answer: 20.2 mm
      18.2 mm
      19.2 mm

      Q6.
      What measurement device is this an image of?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: digital vernier caliper
      micrometer
      accelerometer
      digital ruler

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Reforming processes are usually , which means they do not require additional processes after being manufactured.

      Correct Answer: self-finishing, self finishing

      Q2.
      Which printing process is this?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: pad printing
      screen printing
      inkjet printing
      stamp printing

      Q3.
      Match the polymer additive to the reason for its use.

      Correct Answer:colour pigment,enhance aesthetics
      Correct Answer:wood flour,reduced costs
      Correct Answer:wax,increase process efficiency

      Q4.
      Why is uPVC enhanced with additive when used for window frames?

      Correct answer: to increase UV resistance
      to decrease UV resistance
      to decrease fire resistance
      to increase fire resistance

      To help you plan your 10 design and technology lesson on: Surface treatments and finishes: communal areas, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...