New
New
Lesson 7 of 12
  • Year 11

Reforming manufacturing processes for polymers

I can explain and compare small-scale and industrial reforming processes.

Lesson 7 of 12
New
New
  • Year 11

Reforming manufacturing processes for polymers

I can explain and compare small-scale and industrial reforming processes.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Reforming involves reshaping a material into a new form without changing its basic chemical structure.
  2. Small-scale production methods can be used to reform materials.
  3. Reforming materials on a larger scale require different techniques.
  4. Recycling and upcycling save resources, reduce waste, and give new life to old materials.

Keywords

  • Reform - reshaping a material into a new form without changing its basic chemical structure

  • Mould - a hollow shape which can be used to form materials

  • Recycle - convert waste into reusable materials

  • Upcycle - turning old or unwanted materials/products into something useful

Common misconception

The same tools and methods are used for both small-scale and industrial manufacturing.

The scale of production heavily influences tool choice, speed, accuracy, and repeatability.


To help you plan your year 11 design and technology lesson on: Reforming manufacturing 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.
What is 'automation' in manufacturing?

the use of recycled materials in production
Correct answer: the use of machines or technology to perform tasks
the process of making products by hand only
the design of mass-produced goods

Q2.
What does 'industrial' typically refer to in manufacturing?

small, handcrafted products made by a single person
Correct answer: large-scale production using machinery and technology
purely artistic or sculptural items
activities done at home by a hobbyist

Q3.
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

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.
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

Q6.
Which group includes only natural materials?

polypropylene, nylon, wool
Correct answer: gold, cotton, oak
polyester, glass, corrugated cardboard
acrylic, steel, linen

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Shaping materials again without changing their basic chemical structure is called .

Correct Answer: reforming, reform

Q2.
What is the main purpose of recycling?

Correct answer: to save resources
to generate waste
to collect raw materials
to increase pollution

Q3.
What is the main goal of upcycling?

Correct answer: to add value to old items
to throw things away faster
to burn waste materials
to create pollution

Q4.
A hollow shape which can be used to form materials in metal reforming is known as a .

Correct Answer: mould

Q5.
Match the process to the description:

Correct Answer:injection moulding,molten polymer injected into a mould to form shape

molten polymer injected into a mould to form shape

Correct Answer:blow moulding,air inflates heated polymer in mould to form hollow part

air inflates heated polymer in mould to form hollow part

Correct Answer:rotational moulding,polymer coats mould's inside as it rotates and cools

polymer coats mould's inside as it rotates and cools

Correct Answer:extrusion,heated polymer pushed through a die to make long shapes

heated polymer pushed through a die to make long shapes

Q6.
Order the stages of rotational moulding:

1 - Polymer powder placed into mould.
2 - Powder heated and melted whilst mould being rotated. Polymer forced to outside.
3 - Polymer cooled whilst being rotated.
4 - Mould released, product produced.