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NSW Curriculum
NSW Education Standards Authority

11–12Industrial Technology 11–12 Syllabus (2026)

Implementation from 2028
Expand for detailed implementation advice

Content

Year 12

Industrial manufacturing technologies (metal)

Loading  must be integrated throughout each focus area in Year 11 and 12.

Materials
  • Assess the environmental impact of metal extraction and production processes, including mining, refining, alloying and recycling

  • Investigate the forms, sections and profiles of metals used in manufacturing, including sheet, bar, tube, wire, solid sections and extruded profiles, and their influence on production methods

  • Identify metals and alloys used in project production, including mild steel, medium-carbon and high-carbon steels, aluminium, copper, silver, lead, gold, bronze and brass

  • Assess the suitability of metals and alloys for project production based on material properties, including strength, hardness, machinability, thermal performance and corrosion resistance, and compatibility during joining and assembly

  • Apply metal treatment processes, including annealing, work hardening and surface treatments, to modify workability, strength and durability

  • Analyse the industrial applications of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys

Tools, equipment and machinery
  • Inspect and assess the condition and operation of tools and equipment for accuracy, efficiency and safe production

  • Use and evaluate jigs, fixtures and tooling systems for precision and repeatability

  • Explain the uses of industrial metalworking machinery and automated systems, including computer numerical control (CNC) machining, laser cutting, rolling, pressing, extrusion and high-pressure water cutting

Joining and assembly
  • Select and apply metal-joining techniques for structural and functional applications, including mechanical fastening, soldering, brazing, gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and oxy-acetylene welding

  • Investigate advanced welding processes, including gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), shielded manual arc welding (SMAW) and flux cored arc welding (FCAW)

  • Apply preparation and marking-out techniques used in metal fabrication to achieve alignment, fit, joint integrity and dimensional accuracy

  • Explain how material properties and service conditions influence the selection of joining methods and materials

  • Explain the selection and use of fittings and allied materials in metal products and assemblies in relation to function, load requirements and production methods

Finishing and surface treatments
  • Investigate powder coating, electroplating, anodising and industrial painting finishing systems used in metal industries to enhance corrosion resistance, surface durability and appearance

  • Select and apply surface preparation techniques used in metal industries, including polishing, buffing, planishing, abrasive blasting, degreasing and acid etching, for optimal surface condition and adhesion

  • Evaluate and select finishing processes and materials based on metal type, application method, end use, environmental exposure and sustainability considerations

  • Apply finishing processes and materials to achieve required surface quality, durability and appearance

Industrial practices and production techniques
  • Compare the precision, repeatability and productivity of metalworking machines

  • Investigate industry practices in large-scale metal manufacturing, including workflow sequencing, integration of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and quality control systems

  • Explain the role of automated manufacturing processes, including CNC plasma cutting, robotic welding, press braking and automated machining

  • Evaluate decision-making processes for selecting materials, tools and equipment, based on productivity, manufacturing outcomes and environmental sustainability

  • Explain how lean manufacturing principles are applied in metal fabrication, including material optimisation, process efficiency, waste reduction and continuous improvement

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