1.5 Material costs and supply

In deciding the cost of material whch costs are involved?

• Cost of material

• Cost of changing its shape

• Cost of forming and hiiving

• Cost of sequesting

Materials are avialable in a wide variety of standard forms and sizes. What is a form?

• Chemical composition of a material

• Temperature or weight of a material

• Colour or texture of a material

• Shape and dimensions of a material

Why do companies by materials in standard forms rather than making their own?

• Additional skills and materials would be needed

• Additional workspace would be needed

• Additional machines and skills would be needed

• Additional training would be required

Why do engineers adapt their designs to use standard sized components?

• cheaper

• quicker

• reduces waste

• costly

• mpore functional

Copper has a high electrical conductivity and is ductile so is easily formed into wires. Gold is a much better conductor than copper why is it not used to make wires?

• It is difficult to mine enough gold for all its uses

• Gold is found only in its native state

• It is a much more expensive option

• Gold is less ductile than copper

Low carbon steel is very high strength for scaffolding why would a company choose to use timber scaffolding rather than steel?

• Timber scaffolding is more expensive
• Timber scaffolding is more durable
• Timber scaffolding is easier to assemble
• Lighter weight and easier handling

Low carbon steel is very high strength for scaffolding why would a company choose to use timber scaffolding rather than steel?

• Timber scaffolding is more expensive
• Timber scaffolding is more durable
• Timber scaffolding is easier to assemble
• Lighter weight and easier handling

Timber is commonly used in scaffolding rather than steel which has a higher strength. What are the drawbacks of using timer scaffolding that do not occur with steel scaffolding?

• Fire hazards and decay
• High cost and maintenance
• Rust and corrosion
• Limited availability and weight

Steel scaffolding is more expensive than timer scaffolding, why might a company choose steel over timer for scaffolding poles?

• Cheaper cost
• Durability and load-bearing capacity
• Easier to transport
• More environmentally friendly

Ceramics are harder than steel and offer better resistance to wear and tear. Why might a company choose to use steel rather than ceramics for a cutting machine?

• Higher durability and strength
• Lower maintenance cost
• Easier to find replacement parts
• Ceramics are brittle and may shatter