October 24th, 2011 → 11:13 am @ admin
It’s been another busy year with the online Design and Technology Mentoring Program. It really keeps me very busy reading all those draft Folios at night and the large range of innovation being produced is truly wonderful. I thank you for your patience as on some occasions due to family matters I have not been [...]
January 7th, 2011 → 1:29 pm @ admin
A very common machine in a school workshop is the Pedestal Drill. One of the advantages of using this type of drilling machine is that the hole you drill will be square to the job in two planes. It is very difficult to achieve this with a hand drill. The Pedestal Drill is easier to [...]
May 28th, 2010 → 11:52 pm @ admin
Your folio will naturally contain many photographs of your Major Design Project as it develops. When working in either school or home workshops always make sure you have safety in mind. You need to mention how you observed safety regulations and this should be evident in any photographs you present in your folio. A student [...]
January 25th, 2010 → 6:30 pm @ admin
Sustainability Firstly what is sustainability? We hear the words ‘sustainable‘ and ‘sustainability‘ almost every day. But what does it mean exactly? Is it about people and culture, our environment, or jobs and money? Is it about cities or the country? Is it about you and me or is [...]
January 24th, 2010 → 7:32 pm @ admin
Silicon Molds Silicon Molds are often necessary to produce a number of similar items for a Major Design Project. One method of achieving this is by manufacturing a silicon mold and casting the items using the mold. Lets say we are going to produce a chess set for your Major Design Project but with a [...]
January 23rd, 2010 → 8:05 pm @ admin
Students often choose to use mild steel for the manufacture of their Major Design Project. Mild steel tends to form rust after a very short time and really needs to have a protective surface finish applied. There are a number of surface preparations which include painting, electroplating to mention but a few. Many students may [...]
December 16th, 2009 → 3:10 pm @ admin
From time to time students want to use a microprocessor of some type in their Major Design Project. I came across this valuable little book which offers a thorough introduction to the open-source electronics prototyping platform that’s taking the design and hobbyist world by storm. Getting Started with Arduino gives you lots of ideas for [...]
December 6th, 2009 → 10:25 pm @ admin
I would like to wish a very Happy Christmas to those students who are taking advantage of the Design and Technology Mentoring Programme. I know it’s a time of holidays and Christmas, but do try and achieve vital research over the holidays. Next year you will not have the time to visit companies and obtain [...]
November 29th, 2009 → 1:19 am @ admin
When it comes time to have your Major Design Folio printed, seek the services of a professional printing company. It is a very competitive industry, so do not accept the first quote you receive. Get at least three quotes and you will usually find a very big difference in prices quoted. Any last minute printing [...]
November 29th, 2009 → 1:00 am @ admin
Have you started your Major Design Project yet? By now you should have firmed up on your final idea and commenced manufacture. If you have not, then your are already behind other Design and Technology students. It’s not too late to catch up! You can fast track the catch up by putting in some solid [...]