BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) BTEC Engineering Flashcards

24 sample cards from the BTEC Engineering deck

Sampled from the end of the deck, so these are different cards from the ones shown on the syllabus page.

1. Distinguish parametric modelling from direct (explicit) modelling in CAD.

   Parametric modelling defines geometry using dimensions, constraints and relationships so changing a parameter automatically updates the linked features. Direct modelling lets the user push/pull geometry freely without a feature history, giving more flexibility but fewer automatic relationships.

2. Name three methods used to evaluate design solutions against a specification.

   Comparing each solution against the design specification points, using a weighted evaluation/decision matrix to score criteria, prototyping and testing, user/client feedback and trials, and life-cycle or cost analysis.

3. What is a Gantt chart used for in engineering project planning?

   A Gantt chart is a horizontal bar chart that shows project tasks against a timeline, displaying start and finish dates, task durations, dependencies and milestones — used to schedule and monitor project progress.

4. Classify engineering materials into their main groups with an example of each.

   Metals (ferrous e.g. mild steel, and non-ferrous e.g. aluminium), polymers (thermoplastics e.g. acrylic, thermosets e.g. epoxy), ceramics (e.g. alumina), and composites (e.g. carbon-fibre reinforced polymer, GRP).

5. What is the key difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals? Give an example of each.

   Ferrous metals contain iron and are usually magnetic and prone to rust (e.g. mild steel, cast iron). Non-ferrous metals contain no iron, resist corrosion and are non-magnetic (e.g. aluminium, copper, brass).

6. What is the difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers?

   Thermoplastics soften when heated and can be reshaped/recycled repeatedly (e.g. polythene, acrylic). Thermosets undergo a permanent chemical change when first set and cannot be re-melted or reshaped (e.g. epoxy resin, melamine, Bakelite).

7. Define the material properties hardness, toughness and ductility.

   Hardness is resistance to scratching, wear and indentation. Toughness is the ability to absorb energy and resist sudden fracture or impact. Ductility is the ability to be drawn into a wire or deformed plastically (stretched) without breaking.

8. Distinguish malleability from ductility.

   Malleability is the ability to be deformed by compression — hammered or rolled into thin sheets — without cracking. Ductility is the ability to be stretched into a wire under tension. A material can be one without the other.

9. What is the difference between brittleness and toughness?

   A brittle material fractures suddenly with little or no plastic deformation (e.g. cast iron, glass). A tough material deforms and absorbs significant energy before failing. They are opposite responses to impact loading.

10. Name four common manufacturing processes used to shape engineering materials.

    Casting (pouring molten material into a mould), forming/forging (shaping by force, e.g. bending, pressing), machining (removing material, e.g. turning, milling, drilling), and joining/fabrication, plus moulding processes such as injection moulding for polymers.

11. What is the difference between turning and milling as machining processes?

    In turning the workpiece rotates against a stationary cutting tool (done on a lathe) to produce cylindrical features. In milling a rotating multi-tooth cutter removes material from a stationary or moving workpiece (done on a milling machine) to produce flat surfaces, slots and complex shapes.

12. Describe the injection moulding process and a typical product.

    Injection moulding heats thermoplastic granules until molten, then injects them under high pressure into a closed metal mould where they cool and solidify into the final shape. It suits high-volume identical parts such as plastic casings, bottle caps and toys.

13. Compare permanent and temporary (non-permanent) joining methods with examples.

    Permanent joints cannot be undone without damage, e.g. welding, brazing, soldering, riveting and adhesive bonding. Temporary joints can be dismantled and reassembled, e.g. nuts and bolts, screws and clips.

14. What is the difference between soldering, brazing and welding?

    All join metals, but: soldering uses a filler below about $450^{\circ}\text{C}$ and gives the weakest joint; brazing uses a filler above $450^{\circ}\text{C}$ (the parent metal is not melted); welding melts the parent metals themselves (often with filler) to fuse them, giving the strongest joint.

15. What is the difference between quality control and quality assurance?

    Quality control (QC) is the process of inspecting and testing finished products or samples to detect defects after manufacture. Quality assurance (QA) is the management of the whole process to prevent defects occurring, ensuring consistent procedures and standards are followed.

16. Name three measuring/inspection instruments and what each is used for.

    Vernier or digital callipers measure internal/external dimensions to about $0.02\,\text{mm}$; a micrometer measures small dimensions very precisely (to $0.01\,\text{mm}$); a go/no-go gauge quickly checks whether a dimension is within tolerance; and a dial test indicator checks alignment and run-out.

17. What does tolerance mean in manufacturing, and how is it expressed?

    Tolerance is the permissible variation in a dimension — the difference between the maximum and minimum acceptable sizes. It is written as a nominal size with limits, e.g. $25 \pm 0.05\,\text{mm}$, giving an upper limit of $25.05$ and lower limit of $24.95\,\text{mm}$.

18. What key UK legislation governs workplace health and safety, and what is its main purpose?

    The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HASAWA). Its purpose is to place a legal duty on employers to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees and others affected by work activities, and on employees to take reasonable care.

19. What do the COSHH and PUWER regulations cover?

    COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) requires employers to assess and control risks from hazardous substances such as chemicals, fumes and dust. PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) requires that work equipment is suitable, safe, maintained and used only by trained people.

20. What is a risk assessment, and what is the difference between a hazard and a risk?

    A risk assessment is a systematic process of identifying hazards and evaluating their risks to decide control measures. A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm (e.g. a rotating blade); a risk is the likelihood and severity of that harm actually occurring.

21. List four common categories of hazard found in an engineering workshop.

    Mechanical hazards (moving/rotating parts, sharp edges), electrical hazards (shock, faulty leads), chemical hazards (oils, solvents, fumes), physical hazards (noise, swarf, hot surfaces, trips and slips), and ergonomic/manual-handling hazards.

22. What does PPE stand for, and give four examples used in an engineering workshop.

    PPE is Personal Protective Equipment — equipment worn to minimise exposure to hazards. Examples: safety goggles/glasses, ear defenders, safety boots with toe caps, gloves, overalls, and a face mask/respirator.

23. In the hierarchy of risk control, where does PPE rank and why?

    PPE is the last resort, at the bottom of the hierarchy of control (Eliminate, Substitute, Engineering controls, Administrative controls, then PPE). It is used only when hazards cannot be removed or reduced by other means, because it protects the individual rather than removing the hazard itself.

24. State four key rules for the safe use of tools and machinery in a workshop.

    Wear appropriate PPE; ensure guards are fitted and in place; remove the chuck key before starting a lathe/drill; never wear loose clothing, ties or jewellery and tie back long hair; isolate machines before adjusting or cleaning; and only use equipment you are trained and authorised to operate.

What this deck covers

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