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Lesson 8 of 12
  • Year 11

Joining processes for polymers

I can explain various mechanical and chemical methods to join different materials.

Lesson 8 of 12
New
New
  • Year 11

Joining processes for polymers

I can explain various mechanical and chemical methods to join different materials.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Materials can be joined using mechanical fixings or components.
  2. Materials can be joined using heat and substances that create chemical bonds between surfaces.

Keywords

  • Mechanical fixings - a part that holds materials together using force

  • Chemical joining - using adhesives or heat to bond materials through a chemical reaction

  • Component - a ready-made part used across different products to make manufacturing easier

Common misconception

All joining methods work the same for every material.

Different materials need different joining methods based on their properties.


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

Try to organise a small practical based on any of the processes mentioned in this lesson to fully embed learning.
Teacher tip

Equipment

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

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following statements is INCORRECT?

physical properties/characteristics relate to how a material looks and feels
working/mechanical properties describe material behaviour when exposed to forces
Correct answer: hardness is a physical property/characteristic
elasticity is a working/mechanical property

Q2.
What does 'structural integrity' refer to in materials and structures?

Correct answer: it can maintain its shape under normal conditions without breaking
the aesthetic appearance of a structure
it can resist environmental changes like temperature and moisture
the cost-effectiveness of building a structure

Q3.
What is one main benefit of using standard stock forms in manufacturing?

they are always made from recycled materials
they are customised for each product
Correct answer: they're easier to transport, store, and use in different manufacturing processes
they don't require specialised tools to work with

Q4.
Match the action to its force:

Correct Answer:opening a jar lid,torque (twist)

torque (twist)

Correct Answer:sliding a box across the floor,push

push

Correct Answer:tugging on a rope,pull

pull

Q5.
Shaping materials again without changing its basic chemical structure is called ...

Correct Answer: reforming, reform

Q6.
Which property would be MOST important when choosing a material for a flexible, stretchable item like a bungee cord?

toughness
Correct answer: elasticity
density
hardness

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
A ready-made part used across different products to make manufacturing easier is called a ...

Correct Answer: component

Q2.
Which statement best defines a mechanical fixing?

uses heat to bond
joins with adhesive
Correct answer: connects with force
fuses surfaces

Q3.
Which is an example of chemical joining?

screw
rivet
Correct answer: adhesive
clip

Q4.
Which statement is correct about joining methods and materials?

adhesive works equally well on all materials
screws are best for all joining tasks
Correct answer: joining depends on material properties
all methods suit any material

Q5.
Match the mechanical fixing to the correct description.

Correct Answer:snap-fit,flexible clip locks parts together

flexible clip locks parts together

Correct Answer:push-fit,parts press together and hold by friction

parts press together and hold by friction

Correct Answer:polymer rivet,can be pushed, screwed or melted together

can be pushed, screwed or melted together

Correct Answer:screw,thread bites into polymer for grip

thread bites into polymer for grip

Correct Answer:nut and bolt,removable and often used with washers

removable and often used with washers

Q6.
Match the chemical joining process to its correct description:

Correct Answer:polymer welding,melts and fuses polymer parts

melts and fuses polymer parts

Correct Answer:solvent welding,softens polymer surfaces to join

softens polymer surfaces to join

Correct Answer:epoxy resin,very strong adhesive, often for high-strength bonds

very strong adhesive, often for high-strength bonds

Correct Answer:hot glue,melts and sticks quickly, not very strong

melts and sticks quickly, not very strong

Correct Answer:super glue,bonds quickly by reacting with moisture

bonds quickly by reacting with moisture