Control components Mechanisms Electrical/electronics Used as part of control systems in products and manufacturing industry

Mechanical Components Make tasks easier Generate some kind of force and movement Change direction and/or force

Electronic Components Individual components are built up into circuits Integrated circuits (ICs) have replaced many components Some ICs can be programmed and are called PICs

Composites Composites are made up from different materials to create new materials with improved properties Most material groups have composites

Composites Often very advanced materials (carbon fibre, Kevlar in resin) Very light but strong Allow complex forms to be made

Standard components Ready-made standard components can be found in many products It is usually cheaper to manufacture these in large quantities in specialist factories rather than for each manufacturer to make their own Repairs are much easier when standard components are used