New
New
Year 11

Manufacturing specification

I can communicate the specific details required to manufacture a product with precision.

Link copied to clipboard

New
New
Year 11

Manufacturing specification

I can communicate the specific details required to manufacture a product with precision.

Link copied to clipboard

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.

These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Manufacturing specifications contain all the information required to manufacture a product.
  2. A manufacturing specification outlines the materials, dimensions, and processes required to produce a product.
  3. Manufacturing specifications are used by pupils, teachers, technicians and any third party.

Keywords

  • Manufacturing specification - outlines the materials, dimensions, and processes required to produce a product accurately and consistently

  • Communicate - express, share, or present ideas to others

  • Design decisions - a deliberate choice to meet a requirement or solve a problem

Common misconception

Some pupils will assume that they know how to manufacture their design without the need for a manufacturing specification.

Designs are rarely understood by verbal explanation, they need visual representations with specific details of materials, dimensions, finishes and suitable processes. Communication methods will vary depending on your design.


To help you plan your year 11 design and technology lesson on: Manufacturing specification, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Products can be manufactured using various processes and techniques. By producing a manufacturing specification, pupils can define materials, dimensions, and quantities to produce a successful product.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment
  • Risk assessment required - outdoor learning

Supervision

Adult supervision required

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...

6 Questions

Q1.
What is the purpose of a design decision?
to decorate a product
Correct answer: to meet a requirement or solve a problem
to make the product more expensive
to make the product heavier
Q2.
To an idea means to express or share it clearly with others.
Correct Answer: communicate
Q3.
Match the term to its meaning.
Correct Answer:design decision,a deliberate choice made during the design process

a deliberate choice made during the design process

Correct Answer:dimension,a measurement such as length, width, or height

a measurement such as length, width, or height

Correct Answer:material,what the product is made from

what the product is made from

Correct Answer:process,the method used to create or shape something

the method used to create or shape something

Q4.
A product’s length, width, and height are called its
Correct Answer: dimensions
Q5.
Why do designers write things down when developing a product?
Correct answer: to help others understand how to manufacture it
to make their notes look neat
to avoid using colour
to replace testing
Q6.
Order the stages of documenting a product idea.
1 - explore design requirements
2 - make design decisions
3 - record materials, dimensions, and processes
4 - communicate the design clearly

4 Questions

Q1.
What is the purpose of a manufacturing specification?
to describe the appearance of the product
Correct answer: to give instructions for producing the product accurately and consistently
to list the name of the designer
to replace a design brief
Q2.
A manufacturing specification includes materials, dimensions, and .
Correct Answer: process
Q3.
Match the specification item to its example
Correct Answer:material,3 mm acrylic sheet

3 mm acrylic sheet

Correct Answer:dimension,120 mm x 80 mm

120 mm x 80 mm

Correct Answer:process,laser cutting

laser cutting

Correct Answer:design decision,choosing a clear finish for visibility

choosing a clear finish for visibility

Q4.
Order the steps in writing a manufacturing specification
1 - identify the materials
2 - list the tools or processes
3 - record the product dimensions
4 - check that others can follow it clearly