What material should i make a CD stand from?

Question

Hi.

I''ve taken graphics technology for my year 10 and year 11 studies. I'm just going into year 11 now, and over the summer holidays i've been asked to complete objectives (coursework) 1,2, + 3. I've got to say what my CD stand will be made from, i thought plastic, but i need to know what type of plastic. I've seen past year 11 examples, but i don't know what the actual name for the plastic is. Because its the summer hols i cant really ask my teacher, and my friends don't know. So if anyone knows, or has taken graphics at school, can you please tell me?

If not, what other material should i use to make a well presentable, sturdy and proffesional CD stand?

I'm in the UK if that helps.

Thanks.

Answer 1

The plastics I remember using in technology were acrylics and polythylenes, although I can't remember which ones specifically. The plastic will have to be a thermoplastic so that it can be vacuum molded.

You will have to consider what equipment your school has for molding plastics, normally it is quite limited, which in turn will effect your design as you may have to make several small components which will alter have to fixed together.

It may be a good idea to look at other materials which are easier to work on a small scale such as wood or metals, but also to include any research you do into plastics. Consider also how many marks this project awards to the actual build and final piece and and to the written portfolio and research. If a lot of marks go into the build and final piece, having a material you can work on a lot such as wood or metal could be a better choice.

Why not combine materials too? You could get some very interesting designs using a variety of different textures and materials which will show a few different skills in the making.

Answer 2

Try thick perspex,easily available but a bit pricey though.

Answer 3

I have several cd stands made of plastic, but my metal one is by far the strongest, and coolest looking. Just a thought if you haven't already excluded it.

Answer 4

Will you need to actually make it? Because you may want to give yourself an easier material such as wood....you can talk about different types of wood such as MDF (you can find info on wood on websites like b&q) and then about different joints and fixture ideas-this will give you lots to write about and is easier to research.

Then when you come to make it will also be quicker, easier etc as schools tend to have a lot of wooden tools rather than ones for plastic.

Try going through argos catalogue to see ideas of whats available.

I'm afriad I cant really help with plastics as I avoid it like the plague when i did graphics. But look in books stores to see if there are any study guides---try amazon.co.uk or waterstones.co.uk!