IB Glossary of Terms

A lever where the fulcrum is located between the effort force and the load (resistance force). For example, a seesaw or a pair of scissors.

A lever where the load (resistance force) is located between the effort force and the fulcrum. For example, a wheelbarrow.

The process of creating physical objects from a 3D digital model layer by layer.

A lever where the effort force is located between the fulcrum and the load (resistance force). For example, tweezers and most human limbs (like your forearm) are 3rd-class levers.

The process of using 3D printing to create a physical object that is able to change its shape or properties when exposed to a stimulus such as water, air, heat or an electric current.

Similar to 3D printing in that it is a process of printing multiple thin layers of a material, 5D printing has a rotating extruder head that can print on 5 axes.

A basic digital logic gate that requires two or more inputs and a single output.

A process where the surface of a material is rubbed away with another material.

Electronic components that control the flow of electricity.

Manufacturing techniques that add material in order to create an object.

A process where the surfaces of two materials are permanently joined together using a third material such as glue.

The ability of a product to be changed in size, commonly used to increase the range of percentiles for which a product is appropriate.

The design will be more intuitive to meet the needs of the user.

Refers to the visual and sensory qualities of an object or design that contribute to its overall appearance.

A physical model developed to look and feel like the final product but that does not function.

An electrical current.

An electronic system that has a permanently variable signal.

An electrochemical process that creates a thick oxidized coating on the surface of a component, which is usually made from aluminium or one of its alloys.

The aspect of ergonomics that deals with body measurements.

A high-fidelity drawing technique, typically presented in an isometric view, that shows a product as it appears when fully assembled.

A volume production process where products and components are moved continuously along a conveyor. As the product goes from one workstation to another, components are added until the final product is assembled.

A framework for creating designs that improve the relations of users with a product and intentionally trigger emotional responses.

Attract: Aesthetics orientated on the ACT model
Converse: Interaction orientated on the ACT model
Transact: Function orientated on the ACT model

A technology that uses a device to superimpose a computer-generated image onto a user’s view of the real world; interactions include sight, sound, touch engagements and extended reality (XR).

A volume production process involving machines controlled by computers.

Limited volume production (a set number of items to be produced).

A linkage that allows vertical movement to be converted into horizontal movement. It also works the opposite way around.

A drive system where a belt transfers power between at least two pulleys. One pulley drives the belt (driver pulley) and the other is driven by the belt (driven pulley).

See A3.3 Introduction to mechanical systems.

A load applied to a material a certain distance from one of its fixed positions that causes it to bend.

To calculate the bending moment (bending force), you can use the following equation for simple cases:

Bending Moment (M) = Force (F) × Distance (d)

Force (F): The applied force perpendicular to the beam.
Distance (D): The perpendicular distance from the applied force to the point where you want to calculate the bending moment. This is also known as the lever arm or moment arm.

A pair of toothed rotating gears used to transfer power between the two gear shafts at an angle, usually 90°, to the original.

A binary digit has either a value of 0 or 1.

Any material created by, or derived from, biological organisms, including plants, animals, bacteria and fungi.

A material that will decompose into basic substances through the action of microorganisms when in an environment with sufficient water, oxygen, temperature and nutrients.

Research and analysis of the mechanics (operation of our muscles, joints, tendons, etc.) of the human body.

A standard for short distance wireless communication between electronic devices.

A mathematical logic system where variables hold the value of either “true” or “false”, usually represented by 1 and 0 respectively.

The collective name for constructed structures, features and facilities where people live and work.

An electronic device that emits a buzzing noise when activated.

A mechanical component used to transform rotational motion into linear motion.

See A3.3 Introduction to mechanical systems.

A rigid structure that is fixed on one end and extends horizontally without support on the other.

An electronic component used to store an electric charge.

The process of creating an object by filling a mould with a molten material.

A property of a material that only becomes evident during or after a chemical reaction.

See A3.1 Material classification and properties.

An economic model in which resources remain in use for as long as possible, from which maximum value is extracted while in use, and the products and materials are recovered and regenerated at the end of the product life cycle.

An economic model in which resources remain in use for as long as possible, from which maximum value is extracted while in use, and the products and materials are recovered and regenerated at the end of the product life cycle.

The physical space between two objects.

A self-regulating, automated system where the output is considered feedback and acts as an input back into the system.

An upright pillar typically used to support beams in structures.