The cutting and shaping of compliant and resistant materials using machines controlled by a computer (CNC machines). Cutting / soluble oil is often used when metals are being shaped.

Use of a high-power laser to cut plastics, rubber, wood, card and textiles under computer control as an example of CAD / CAM.

The following document is a list of the documents and other materials you will find on the D&T website.

This edition of Futureminds is a special bumper edition - we asked people to write about their vision for the future of D&T. There are almost 20 interesting and different visions.

Please get in touch if you have any views on what you read here, or if you would like to contribute to a future edition: dt@cleapss.org.uk