New
New
Lesson 7 of 12
  • Year 11

Reforming manufacturing processes for timbers

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

Lesson 7 of 12
New
New
  • Year 11

Reforming manufacturing processes for timbers

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

  • Recycle - convert waste into reusable materials

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

  • Fibres - thin strands that are the building blocks a of material

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 timbers, 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.
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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 its 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.
Turning old or unwanted products into something useful without breaking them down is called .

Correct Answer: upcycling, upcycled, upcycle

Q5.
Match the word to its definition:

Correct Answer:reform,reshape a material without altering its chemical structure

reshape a material without altering its chemical structure

Correct Answer:recycle,convert waste into a new material

convert waste into a new material

Correct Answer:upcycle,creatively resue a product without breaking it down

creatively resue a product without breaking it down

Correct Answer:reclaim,old material for a new purpose, e.g. construction timber into a bench

old material for a new purpose, e.g. construction timber into a bench

Q6.
Order the steps for reforming damaged timber using resin:

1 - prepare the damaged timber pieces
2 - place timber pieces inside an empty mould
3 - mix resin
4 - pour resin into the gaps or around the timber
5 - allow the resin to cure and harden
6 - demould and polish the final product