TECH 411 Materials

Lab Assignment #1 - Material Recognition and Selection Spring 2008

Objectives

To increase the student’s knowledge and awareness of the properties and qualities of various materials used to make common products.

Procedure

1. The instructor will provide an assortment of common, everyday products. The student is to identify each of the products and the normal conditions of use to determine the desirable characteristics a material should have for the products to perform properly.

2. The student should then identify the material the product is actually made from, determine which material family it belongs to, and compare the material’s actual properties to the desired characteristics.

3. The student should determine the method of manufacture, if possible, for the products.

4. The student should suggest one or more alternative materials and/or method of manufacture for the product. This should be evaluated and compared to the existing material/manufacturing method. Would you suggest making the product of a different material or by a different manufacturing method?

Grading

The student should submit a brief, type written report that covers the results of performing the listed procedure one week from the day the lab is performed.