Plastic & Metal Basics

Glossary

Short definitions for terms used in this part of the Materials & Know-How section.

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) for 3D print
Glossary

ABS

A tough impact-resistant plastic used in housings, fittings, and 3D printing filament.

Acrylic sheet on wood
Glossary

Acrylic

A clear plastic sheet material that can crack if drilled poorly.

A close view of expanded aluminium metal mesh
Glossary

Aluminium

A lightweight metal often used in trim, sheet and small extrusions.

Glossary

Burr

A sharp raised edge left after cutting or drilling.

A rusted corroded steel surface
Glossary

Corrosion

Material deterioration caused by reaction with the environment, often seen as rust on steel.

A worker deburring a metal part with sparks coming from the edge
Glossary

Deburring

Removing sharp burrs from a cut or drilled edge.

White PVC pipework under a sink
Glossary

PVC

A plastic used in many pipes, trims and flexible or rigid products.

A close-up view of mild steel sheet metal
Glossary

Steel

A strong iron-based metal used in many fixings, brackets and tools.