Hardwoods come from deciduous trees, which have large flat leaves that fall in the autumn. Hardwoods take longer to grow, are not easily sourced and are expensive to buy.
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Softwoods
Softwoods come from coniferous trees. These often have pines or needles, and they stay evergreen all year round - they do not lose leaves in the autumn. They are faster growing than hardwoods, making them cheaper to buy, and are considered a sustainable m
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pine
lightweight, easy to form, used for construction and decking
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cedar
more expensive than pine but isn't as strong
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Manufactured board
Manufactured boards are usually made from timber waste and adhesive. To make them more aesthetically pleasing they are often veneered. They are cheap to buy.
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medium density fireboard
smooth, easy to finish, absorbs moisture so not suitable for outdoors
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plywood
easy to cut and finish, can be stained or painted
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ferrous metals
metals that contain iron
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cast iron
brittle if thin, can be cast in a mould and used for pans
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stainless steal
difficult to cut and used for kitchen ware
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non ferrous metals
Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron and are not magnetic. They do not rust.
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Aluminium
lightweight but strong and ductile and used for cans.
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copper
Good electrical conductor, can be polished, welds easily and used for plumbing parts
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Brass
Corrosion resistant, a good heat and electrical conductor, casts well and used for musical instruments
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thermoforming polymers
Thermoforming polymers can be heated and formed repeatedly. They are pliable and recyclable, which is one of the biggest advantages of thermoforming polymers.
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acrylic
Resists weather well, can be cut, folded and polished well, scratches easily and used for car lights
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high impact polystyrene (HIPS)
Can be cut and vacuum formed easily, food safe but toxic when burned and can be used for yoghurt pots
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thermosetting polymers
Thermosetting polymers are brittle and can only be formed once. They are hard to recycle. They are good insulators and are resistant to heat and chemicals.
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polyester resin
Strong, heat resistant and good insulator, used as waterproofing and for encapsulating items
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Urea formaldehyde
Heat resistant, hard, brittle and easily injection moulded, used for electrical fittings
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natural fibres
Natural fibres come from plants or animals. They are easily renewable and biodegradable.
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cotton
Takes dye well, soft, strong, absorbent, recyclable, used in clothing
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wool
Can be fine or thick, soft or coarse, takes dye well, warm and crease-resistant, used in clothing and carpets
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synthetic fibres
Synthetic fibres are made mainly from non-renewable coal and oil refined into polymers and do not degrade easily.
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polyester
Strong and versatile, it holds colour and washes well
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acrylic
Warm, dries quickly, poor absorbency, used for knitwear and blankets
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Woven
Woven fabrics use a warp and weft yarn on a loom to interlock fibres.
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plain weave
Simple and cheap, eg calico, strong and available in different thicknesses, when torn it rips in a straight line
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twill weave
Strong, hardwearing, denim has a white warp and blue weft resulting in a two-coloured fabric
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non woven
Non-woven fabrics are webs of fibres that are glued, compressed or melted together.
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bonded fabrics
Does not fray as it has no grain, not strong
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felted fabrics
Formed with moisture, heat and pressure, can be shaped as it has no elasticity or drape, used for hat making
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knitted
Knitted textiles made from rows of interlocking loops. They can be made from a variety of fibres, not just wool.
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knitted fabrics
Warm, stretchy and strong, tend to unravel when a hole is made, used in clothing and sportswear
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