Metal Stock Forms and Joining Methods

Suggest what stock form of metal a manufacturer would use to make a car bonnet.

• Sheet metal

• Wire

• Tube

• Rod

Suggest what stock form of metal a manufacturer would use to make a bicycle frame.

• Tube

• Sheet metal

• Wire

• Plate

Metals being available in a range of shapes and sizes (stock forms) is useful for manufacturers because it:

• Allows for customization

• Increases cost

• Reduces strength

• Limits design options

Give three examples of joining methods for metals.

• Welding, riveting, soldering

• Gluing, taping, stapling

• Nailing, screwing, bolting

• Clamping, tying, knotting

Name a material that screws are often made of and explain why this might be.

• Steel, because it is strong and durable

• Aluminum, because it is lightweight

• Copper, because it is conductive

• Plastic, because it is cheap