A smart material is one which reacts to an external stimulus or input. This means that it can alter its functional or aesthetic properties in response to a changing environment
Examples:
• Flexible thermometers
• Clothing
• Novelty goods
Characteristics:
• Respond to temperature changes by changing colour
• They change as they heat up and cool down
Examples: • Novelty goods • Paints • Clothing which change colour in UV light
Characteristics:
• The photochromic material responds to changes in the UV light levels by changing colour or darkening.
• Once the UV light is taken away they change back again or lighten
Example:
• Sunglasses
The particles enable the lenses to darken when the user wears them in sunlight and the same glasses will appear clear when they are worn inside.
Examples:
• Frames for glasses
• Dental braces
Characteristics:
• Varying thickness
• A shape can be programmed when heated, it can be deformed and will return to memory shape when reheated
Uses:
• Marker pens for design ideas and final designs
Characteristics: • 70gsm sheet • Coated to stop solvent based markers staining through the page • Deeper colours are achieved • Slightly textured
Uses:
• Pencil and ink drawings
• Sketching and watercolour
Characteristics:
• Completely opaque
• More expensive than photocopier paper
Uses:
• Used for graphical scientific and mathematical diagrams
Characteristics:
• Faint lines often in light blue ink
• Printed grid of squares, isometric lines or other patterns
Uses:
• Creating sketches and working ideas
Characteristics:
• Semi - translucent
• Takes pencil and most media well
Uses:
• Copying and tracing images
Characteristics:
• Translucent
• Takes pencil and most colours well
Common boards: Corrugated cardboard
Uses:
• Packaging
• Boxes and impact protection
Characteristics:
• Strong
• Lightweight
Uses:
• Cheaper version of white card used for packaging boxes
• Food and drink containers
Characteristics:
• Stiff
• Lightweight coatings to improve functionality
Uses:
• Takeaway containers and lids
• Used to retain heat for longer
Characteristics:
• Stiff
• Foil reflects heat and a water and oil resistant coating enables food and liquid products to be contained
Uses: • Architectural models • Model making • Prototyping • Mounting and framing of photographs and artwork
Characteristics: • Lightweight • Rigid in all directions • Smooth board • Variety of colours and thickness
Uses:
• High quality photographic images
Characteristics:
• Medium to thick card treated to hold a high quality photo image
• Ink dries on the surface to create deeper colours
Uses: • Greeting cards • Packaging • Advertising • Embossing
Characteristics:
• Stiff board
• Holds colour well
• Easily cut or creased
Definition:
Hardwoods generally have a less porous and and denser cell structure than softwoods. This makes them harder wearing and less prone to rotting.
Uses:
• Sports equipment
• Toole handles
Characteristics:
• Flexible
• Tough
• Shock resistant
Uses:
• Children’s toys
• Models
• Furniture
Characteristics:
• Fine finish
• Tough
• Durable
Uses:
• High end furniture
• Joinery
• Veneers
Characteristics:
• Easily worked
• Durable
• Finishes well
Uses:
• Flooring
• Furniture
Characteristics:
• Tough
• Hard
• Durable
Uses:
• Prototyping
• Modelling
Characteristics
• Very soft and spongy
• Very lightweight
Definition:
Softwood generally has a more porous cell structure than hardwood. If left unprotected from the elements, it can absorb moisture and begin to rot.
Uses:
• Exterior cladding
• Flooring
• Furniture
Characteristics: • Durable • Tough • Good water resistance • Good surface finish