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Describe the main operating features of any one of the following: - Vacuum former, - Pop rivet gun, - Tin snips. - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question i - 2022
Question i
Describe the main operating features of any one of the following: - Vacuum former, - Pop rivet gun, - Tin snips.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe the main operating features of any one of the following: - Vacuum former, - Pop rivet gun, - Tin snips. - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question i - 2022
Step 1
Vacuum former
Answer
A vacuum former is a plastic thermoforming machine that is used to produce parts which are precisely formed on one side.
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Heating Process: The machine contains a heating element and an adjustable table. The heating element heats up and softens a sheet of plastic which is then clamped into a frame.
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Mould Creation: When the plastic begins to sag, a mould is placed on the worktable underneath, and a vacuum is applied below the plastic sheet.
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Final Shape Formation: As the air is evacuated, the soft plastic is pulled against the mould, forming the desired final shape. After cooling, the mould is removed, revealing the final product.
Step 2
Pop rivet gun
Answer
A pop rivet gun is utilized to create a pop rivet joint in sheet metal. The process involves the following steps:
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Rivet Placement: A pop rivet is placed into the gun and passed through pre-drilled holes in the metal pieces that need to be joined.
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Clamping Mechanism: By squeezing the handles of the gun, a clamping mechanism grips the shaft of the rivet.
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Rivet Expansion: The shaft's end expands as the handle is squeezed, clamping the metal pieces together. When the tensile force is applied, the rivet breaks off, leaving the pop rivet joint secured.
Step 3
Tin snips
Answer
Tin snips are hand-operated tools designed to cut light gauge metal sheets.
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Design and Function: They have two handles that rotate about a pivot point, each equipped with sharp edges on either end.
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Cutting Mechanism: When the user closes the handles together, the blades work through the metal, producing cuts similar to those made by scissors.
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Operation: The action pushes the metal on one side of the cut line down and on the other, facilitating the cutting process.