It is favoured because it involves fewer operations than machining or assembling; flow processes also conserve material. Volume of material remains constant while its shape changes. These economic advantages have promoted the development of many different types of process. Some applicable to a wide range of products others suited to only one or two products.

All flow processes involve forcing the material into contact with a shaped surface or die.

Identify the most suitable process for manufacturing the components identified as A,B,C and D. With the aid of evidence from a range of sources and using sketches and diagrams give a detailed report of the methods that could have been used to manufacture the components and why they are suitable, ensure you comment on the effect the process has on the microstructure of the component.

This provides evidence for P2.1, 2.2,

Carry out a macro and microscopic examination of the component identified as E. In about 500 words and with the aid of photographs and sketches describe the effect the forming process and welded joint shown in the image identified as E has upon the microstructure of the material, include in your explanation a clearly labelled sketch of the cross-section identifying the changes in structure.

This provides evidence for P2.3,

Carry out tensile tests on a series of polymer samples, analyse the results and explain the effect the properties of the samples has on the results. Carry a simple workshop heat treatment test on 3 samples of plain carbon steel, explain results.

This provides evidence for P2.1, P2.3,