Surface Treatments & Finishes For Polymers (AQA GCSE Design & Technology): Revision Note
Exam code: 8552
Polishing
Polishing smooths and shines a polymer surface or edge
Edges may be progressively abraded with finer grades and buffed
Some acrylic edges can be flame polished by trained operators
Improves transparency, touch and appearance while removing tool marks
Worked Example
State one reason for applying polishing to a product.
[1 mark]
Answer
Improves transparency, touch and appearance while removing tool marks. [1]
Printing
Printing adds permanent or semi-permanent graphics to polymer products
Methods include screen, pad, digital and in-mould printing
Surface treatment may be needed so that ink adheres
Adds instructions, decoration and branding; adhesion and rub resistance must be tested
Vinyl decals
Vinyl decals are cut or printed adhesive graphics applied to a polymer surface
The surface is cleaned, the decal is aligned, pressed down and smoothed to remove bubbles
A flexible method for prototypes and short runs because graphics can be changed without new mould tooling
Examiner Tips and Tricks
If a question asks you to describe how polishing, printing or a vinyl decal is produced, you're being tested on the process, not the purpose. Name the equipment and sequence each stage, for example: for polishing, progressively finer abrasive grades followed by buffing; for vinyl decals, cleaning the surface, aligning the decal, then pressing and smoothing out air bubbles with a squeegee.
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