Title: Identify the primary processes used to obtain and produce industrial materials.
Course: Production Systems (13101-18) > Section: Exploring the Nature of Technology

Identification should

- contain the methods (e.g., mining, drilling, in situ, and harvesting) of obtaining material resources and how these materials are converted into standard or specialty stock
- include the concept that some materials/processes are relatively rare/difficult, influencing choices
- consider the sustainability and/or rate of depletion of natural resources.

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why do manufacturers not always choose the best materials (technologically speaking)?
- What is a raw material?
- How are natural resources converted into raw materials?
- What are the applications of thermal, chemical, and mechanical processes in converting natural resources?
- What is standard stock?
- How does the cost of materials affect consumers?
- What are concerns surrounding the depletion of natural resources?