MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY VSS202

Duration (approx) 100 hours

Qualification

Statement of Attainment

Study Materials Used in Manufacturing and Construction

Learn about metals and non-metals, their varying properties, and how they are used to manufacture various products.

A course for anyone working in construction, mining or manufacturing.

Learn about both Metals and Non-metals:

their varying properties,
how they are used to manufacture various products.

Materials that are commonly used to build or manufacture things can be classified into different groups. The most basic classification is metals and non-metals. You could also classify them as metals, ceramics and organic materials. Another system of classification includes the main groups of metals, ceramics, polymers and composites. All the materials that you may think of such as glass, resins, rubber, wood, fibres, carbon, concrete, and minerals fit into these main groups. This course takes a closer look at a diverse range of materials, their characteristics, uses, and how to work with them.

It's easy to enrol...

Select a learning location: *

Within UK

Outside UK

Select a payment plan: *

Plan A: 1 payment of £490.00

Plan B: 2 payments of £264.00

Select a learning method *

Online

Offline (supplied on USB Stick)

COURSE STRUCTURE

Lessons:

1. Properties & Classification of Materials

Mechanical Properties
Thermal Properties
Electrical Properties
Environmental Properties
Manufacturing Properties
Economic Properties
Classification of Materials
Metals
Ceramics
Polymers
Composites
Minerals
Silicates
Non-Silicate Minerals

2. Metals and Their Uses

Ferrous Materials -pig iron, wrought iron, grey iron, etc.
Non-Ferrous Metals
Aluminium
Copper
Lead
Zinc
Tin
Nickel
Rare Earth Elements
Lanthanides
Properties and Uses of Rare Earth Elements
Other Metals -Titanium, Gold, Silver, Chromium, Tungsten, Antimony

3. Metal Alloys and Their Uses

Malleability
Ductility
Strength
Benefits of Alloys
Ferrous Alloys
Cast Irons
Steels
Steel Grading
Non-Ferrous Alloys: White metal, Nickel-Silver, etc.
Tin Alloys
Copper Alloys
Aluminium Alloys
Titanium Alloys
Titanium, Gold and Silver Alloys
Rare Earth Alloys

4. Working with Metals

Metal work
Gauges/Sizing
Grades
Bulk Forming - forging, rolling extrusion, cold sizing, bending, coining, spinning, stamping, etc.
Casting Metals - expandable and non-expandable
Cutting Metals - machining, hand cutting, burning
Finishing
Joining Metals - soldering, welding, brazing, riveting

5. Non-metals and Their Uses

Porcelain
Earthenware
Glass
Brick
Polymers
Plastics
Plant Fibres
Resins
Rubber
Composites - concrete, ceramic matrix composites, weed composites, metal matrix composites
Polymer Matrix Composites - fibreglass, carbon fibre

6. Working with Ceramics (and Glass)

Making Pottery
Kneading and wedging
Shaping - hand building, using a potter's wheel, injection moulding, jiggering, jollying, etc.
Glazing - vitreous enamel, overglaze, underglaze, salt glazing
Decorating
Firing
Making Glass - hot end, cold end, etc.
Glass Sheet
Working with Glass - Cutting, fixing, joining, blowing

7. Working with Polymers & Composites

Synthetic Polymers
Plastic manufacturing
Joining Plastics
Plastic welding techniques
Polymer Clay
Natural Polymers -working rubber
Composites - working fibreglass

8. Safe and Sustainable Handling of Materials

Safe Use of Materials
Case Studies
Sustainable Use of Materials
Recycling
Major PBL Project

Aims

Explain important properties of materials used to make things and how they are classified.
Differentiate different pure metals and their uses.
Explain different metal alloys and their uses.
Explain how to work with metals; cutting, shaping and fixing.
Explain the main groups of non-metals and their use in making things.
Explain how to work with ceramics; cutting, shaping and fixing.
Explain how glass is made.
Explain how to work with different polymers and composites, including cutting, shaping and fixing.
Determine appropriate, safe, and sustainable choices in the use of materials for different applications.

Learn How Materials are Used, and how to Choose the Best Materials for the Job

In order to make or repair anything you need to understand the materials available, the tools that can be used, and how to work with those tools to create the things you want to make.

Understanding the different properties of materials is very helpful in choosing materials for different purposes. It helps you select materials on the grounds of strength, malleability, thermal and electrical conductance or resistance, ease of cutting, and so on.

Many metals are provided in different sizes, shapes and grades. Size may be determined by thickness or gauge. Grade is an indication of composition and properties and is typically used for alloys. Part of the decision-making process involves selecting the right size and grade material for the job. Once you have chosen a material to use, you need to understand how to cut it, shape it, fix it (join it), and make it into something.

ENROL TODAY - OR CONTACT US WITH YOUR QUESTIONS

You can enrol on our courses today - simply go to the "It's easy to enrol ..." box at the top right-hand side of this page, select your payment plan and your learning method.

Or contact us -

Please get in touch with our specialist Permaculture tutors today; they will be happy to discuss your study aims and answer any of your questions about our courses.