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

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

3. 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

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

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

6. 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