Shape & Form Papers & Boards (AQA GCSE Design & Technology): Revision Note

How to shape and form papers and boards

How to cut card

• Card can be cut using the following tools and methods:

  • Card is typically cut using three tools:

    • A craft knife,

    • A cutting mat

    • A steel rule.

  • The steel rule provides a straight edge along which the knife will run

  • The cutting mat protects the table top from the sharp blade of the craft knife and provides grip to the craft knife whilst cutting

  • The craft knife is used to cut straight lines through multiple light cuts

How to crease card

• Card can be creased using the following tools and methods:

  • A crease is a line pressed into paper or card to let it fold neatly

  • Card can be creased by hand, which gives a wider fold than would be achieved if the fold were scored first

  • The card is gently folded over, leaving the crease to be the last part to be flattened by hand, creating the desired fold

How to score card

• Scoring card is a way to prepare the card for folding

• All of the methods require the use of a steel rule or similar rigid ruler, and a flat and slight rubbery surface such as a cutting mat

• A tool called a scoring tool, scoring stylus, or bone folder is used to create a straight impression in the card, where it will be folded

How to fold card

• Similar to creasing, folding card is often carried out by hand for small quantities

• For larger quantities, a folding machine will achieve more consistent and accurate folds in card stock at a much higher pace, and can help to reduce human error

How to perforate card

• Perforation is the pressing or cutting of small holes or slits into the card or paper

  • This weakens the paper or card so that it can be easily torn away

• Card that has been perforated has a number of small cuts known as incisions running along a straight line, which aid in the accurate folding of card

• The incisions are made using a perforated blade which is mounted into a rotary trimmer

• The rotary trimmer is run along the edge of a steel rule, and creates a long repeated pattern of small incisions which encourage easy folding of card