Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3
Classification of materials
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Classification of materials
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Subject: Manufacturing Engineering
Class: SHS 3
Term: 1st Term
Week: 1
Grade code: 1.1.1.LI.2
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: 1.1.1.CS.2
Indicator code: 1.1.1.LI.2
Theme: Materials for Manufacturing
Subtheme: Classification of materials
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Welcome, future engineers! Today, we are exploring a fundamental concept in manufacturing: how we group, or classify, materials. Instead of just looking at what materials *are* (like metals or plastics), we will focus on what they *do*. We will classify materials based on their application – the specific job they are used for in different industries. Think about the chair you are sitting on, the uniform you are wearing, and the pen you are holding. Why was plastic chosen for the pen, wood for the chair, and cotton for your uniform? The answer lies in matching a material's properties to the demands of its job. Understanding this helps engineers make smart, efficient, and safe products.
What is Classification by Application?
In manufacturing, we can classify materials in many ways (e.g., by chemical structure like metals, polymers, ceramics). However, one of the most practical ways is by their application or end-use. This means we group materials based on the industry or type of product they are used to create.
The core principle is: The function of the product determines the required properties, and the required properties dictate the choice of material.
For example: Function: A cooking pot needs to conduct heat well. Required Property: Good thermal conductivity. Material Choice: Aluminium or Stainless Steel (not wood or plastic).