1. Support for writing the extended writing question
Use this template to help you write your answer to the extended writing question

2. Just what is it that you need to do?
Things to help the manufacture of a product e.g templates, patterns and guide tools – see p.g 44-45
How things are made e.g C.A.M machines– Laser cutters, 3D printers, die cutters
Look at in detail and explain
Analyse how different production aids are used in the manufacture of products. Evaluate how the use of such production aids improves the quality, accuracy and speed of manufacture. (8 marks)
Manufacture – How things are made
Write 8 different examples / ideas
How is it effective? Does it do it’s job properly?
Quality control? Does it look professionally made? Talk about ergonomics and aesthetics
How do the templates and machines make sure things are made consistency and accurately?
How do the machines make things quicker than if a human made them?

3. How do I analyse something?
Write about both the positive and negative aspect of something.
The examiner is looking for you to think about both aspects.
Is it any good? Why?? Give examples to back up your opinion.

4. What different production aids do you know?
Reference points / measurements
Templates
Patterns
Guide tools
Moulds
Use p.g for more information
Example of products
What are they?
How are they used in the manufacturing of different products.
Give examples of the type of products they make.
Cars
Tools
Toys
Curtains
Cutlery

5. What CAM machines use production aids?
Laser cutters
Vacuum formers
3D printers
CNC routers
What are the machines used for?
How do they work?
What types of things do they make?
See p.g 5 of your revision guide

6. How do they make products easier to make?
Improve accuracy.
Can work without stopping.
Can be adapted easily – Settings easier to change.
Can make both 2D and 3D objects.
Can use different software.
Can cut / make products using different materials.
Will do exactly what’s asked.

7. Quality control
How do the templates and machines help to make the products look good? (Aesthetics)
How do they make things suitable for the customer / user? (Ergonomics)

8. Accuracy? How do the aids make things accurately?
How do the aids make things quickly without getting things wrong?

9. Speed
How do the aids help the CAM machines to produce products quickly?

10. What types of production are the aids suitable for?
Mass production
Batch production
One off production
Continuous production
P/g

11. Use this as a rough guide
Mr Ward’s example
Production aids need to be specific to the design and item that is being manufactured. Good production aids will speed up and simplify the manufacturing of a product. They are also essential for ensuring quality control checks are carried out whilst a product is being made.
An example of this is a template. Templates are easy to make and use. The are used to create metal signs on doors and for making moulds. This quickens the production process because they stop you having to check the dimensions of a shape or letter each time. This will be ideal for batch production.
A further example is how patterns are used within textiles and casting. Designs can be created using C.A.D. Patterns can be made out of tissue paper, pinned to fabric and used as a template to be cut around. C.A.M machines are used to cut the fabric. The quicken the production process as the C.A.M is told how to cut the pieces of fabric and it's more accurate than using human hand.
One final example is casting. This involves forming a material on to a shape. Materials used can include wood, metal and resin. The pattern and or shape can then be repeated. This is perfect for mass production. All of the examples above allow production of various objects to be created and produced quickly and accurately.