Materials selection for made umbrella Coursework

Materials selection for made umbrella - Coursework Example Other parts include the spring, the runner and the finial or ferrule. This paper will discuss the materials suitable for making the pole or shaft, the canopy, and the ribs. The pole is the metallic or wooden shaft that connects the handle to the canopy. The shaft should be strong enough to withstand different forces such as part of the weight of the user (if used as a walking stick), and to avoid breaking during windy conditions. The shaft of the umbrella should be rust resistant as it commonly gets into contact with rain water. The shaft should also be made of a material that is light so that the overall weight of the umbrella is bearable. One material that is suitable for use in making the umbrella shaft is aluminium. Aluminium is more suitable for use as an umbrella shaft compared to steel, wood and other materials for several reasons. First, compared to wood, it is not affected by moisture making it suitable during rainy days (Ashby, Rayner, & Hunkin 2012). It also does not rot or gets eaten by pests such as termites, and it can withstand changes in temperature without bending or loosing shape. Compared to steel, it is light in weight and is not su bject to rust, making it more durable and long-lasting (Ashby, Rayner, & Hunkin 2012). In terms of cost, aluminium is relatively inexpensive and readily available. The canopy is the part of the umbrella that serves to keep away the rain or shield the user from sunshine. The canopy should be made of a light material that is foldable. The materials should also be washable if its get dirty. The material used to make the canopy should not be one that gets easily destroyed by water or ultraviolet rays. Most important is that the material should be water proof so that the user does not get wet in the rain. One material that is suitable for use in making the canopy is the canopy is nylon taffeta. Nylon is water proof and more durable compared to cotton and other materials