Production aids
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe different types of production aids and explain how they are used to improve accuracy and efficiency.
Key learning points
- Production aids are tools, equipment, or methods used to make products more accurate, consistent and efficient.
- Different materials require specific production aids to support manufacturing.
Keywords
Production aid - a piece of equipment used to support or simplify the manufacturing process
Efficiency - working in an organised way that doesn't waste time and resources
Repeatability - being able to produce the same outcome multiple times
Common misconception
A mould and a former are the same thing.
A mould contains the material and shapes it as it sets or solidifies. A former is a shape around which a material is bent or stretched.
Teacher tip
Show real examples of simple production aids - like a paper cutting die, a textile pattern, or a drilling jig. Pupils often struggle with the abstract terminology, so handling or seeing the aids in context makes the differences between moulds, formers, dies and jigs much clearer.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is one main benefit of using standard stock forms in manufacturing?
Q2.Put the stages in the correct order from source to stock form:
Q3.Removing parts of a material to shape it is called
Q4.What does CNC stand for?
Q5.Which scale of production is most suitable for a weekly magazine?
Q6.What does 'standardised' mean in manufacturing?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which keyword describes the ability to make the same product to the same standard again and again?
Q2.A is used in textiles to cut fabric pieces to the correct shape.
Q3.Which production aid is most suitable for stamping shapes into sheet metal or card?
Q4.Guides and are used on machines to make sure cuts or holes are the same every time.
Q5.Match the production aid to the correct description:
a flat outline used to repeat a 2D shape
guides a tool such as a drill
a solid shape that materials are bent or pressed over
a hollow shape filled with liquid or softened material
Q6.True or false: A jig holds a workpiece still but does not guide the tool.
To help you plan your 11 design and technology lesson on: Production aids, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 design and technology lesson on: Production aids, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 design and technology lessons from the Papers and boards unit, dive into the full secondary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.