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      Joining processes for papers and boards

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

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

      Key learning points

      1. Materials can be joined using mechanical fixings or components.
      2. Materials can be joined using 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.

      Teacher tip

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

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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

      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

      6 Questions

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

      Correct Answer: component, components

      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 its correct description:

      Correct Answer:split pins,secure parts by passing through a hole and splaying the ends to hold

      secure parts by passing through a hole and splaying the ends to hold

      Correct Answer:staples,u-shaped fasteners driven through materials

      u-shaped fasteners driven through materials

      Correct Answer:clips,removable fasteners that hold materials together by pressure

      removable fasteners that hold materials together by pressure

      Correct Answer:tabs and slots,interlocking design commonly used for easy assembly without tools

      interlocking design commonly used for easy assembly without tools

      Correct Answer:binding,method of securing pages or materials, often using wire or thread

      method of securing pages or materials, often using wire or thread

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

      Correct Answer:tape,an instant, clean bond using pressure-sensitive adhesive

      an instant, clean bond using pressure-sensitive adhesive

      Correct Answer:PVA,liquid glue that dries slowly to form a strong, flexible bond

      liquid glue that dries slowly to form a strong, flexible bond

      Correct Answer:glue stick,solid adhesive applied with a twist-up tube

      solid adhesive applied with a twist-up tube

      Correct Answer:hot glue gun,melts solid glue sticks to create a fast-setting bond

      melts solid glue sticks to create a fast-setting bond

      Correct Answer:spray adhesive,sprayed evenly over surfaces for quick, large-area bonding

      sprayed evenly over surfaces for quick, large-area bonding


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