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      Joining processes for metals

      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 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.

      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 (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

      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 the correct description.

      Correct Answer:pop rivets,join sheet metals with a hollow rivet and gun

      join sheet metals with a hollow rivet and gun

      Correct Answer:solid rivets,hammered pin creates a permanent metal joint

      hammered pin creates a permanent metal joint

      Correct Answer:nuts and bolts,threaded fasteners for strong, removable joints

      threaded fasteners for strong, removable joints

      Correct Answer:screws,threaded fixings that cut into material for grip

      threaded fixings that cut into material for grip

      Correct Answer:crimping,deforming metal to secure wires or thin parts together

      deforming metal to secure wires or thin parts together

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

      Correct Answer:soldering,low heat process using a filler metal to join metals

      low heat process using a filler metal to join metals

      Correct Answer:silver soldering,higher heat filler metal with silver for strong joints

      higher heat filler metal with silver for strong joints

      Correct Answer:brazing,high heat with filler, only filler melts

      high heat with filler, only filler melts

      Correct Answer:epoxy resin,adhesive that bonds metals when cured

      adhesive that bonds metals when cured

      Correct Answer:arc welding,electric arc melts metals and filler to fuse them

      electric arc melts metals and filler to fuse them

      Correct Answer:spot welding,clamps sheets and melts points with electric current

      clamps sheets and melts points with electric current


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