Mechanical Technology Grade 12 Exam Guidelines Scope 2026: To excel in the Mechanical Technology Grade 12 final exams in 2026, learners must master both the generic safety and material principles and the highly technical calculations of their specific trade. While the official 2026 Department of Basic Education (DBE) examination timetable is pending, these Exam Guidelines provide the definitive scope for your revision.
The assessment is structured to test theoretical knowledge and the practical application of mechanical engineering principles across three specialisations: Automotive, Fitting and Machining, and Welding and Metalwork.
Download Mechanical Technology Grade 12 Exam Guidelines (PDF)
Access the official documents to ensure your study plan is 100% aligned with the 2026 CAPS requirements:
- Download Mechanical Technology Grade 12 Exam Guidelines 2025-2026 (English)
- Download Mechanical Technology Grade 12 Exam Guidelines 2025-2026 (Afrikaans)
For more support, visit the My Courses homepage or explore our Grade 12 Study Resources hub for past papers and trade-specific formula sheets.
Core Exam Structure: Generic Content (30 Marks)
Every learner, regardless of their specialisation, must answer the first three questions. These focus on the fundamental pillars of the mechanical workshop.
- Question 1: Multiple-choice (6 Marks) – High-level overview of the curriculum.
- Question 2: Safety (10 Marks) – Focusing on the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, workshop regulations, and machine-specific safety (e.g., angle grinders and lathes).
- Question 3: Materials (14 Marks) – Heat treatment processes (hardening, tempering, annealing), carbon content in steel, and material testing.
Specialisation Sections (170 Marks)
Learners must answer the remaining questions based strictly on their chosen trade. A formula sheet (Annexure A, B, or C) will be provided in the exam.
1. Fitting and Machining
Focus: Precision engineering and manufacturing.
- Terminology: Detailed knowledge of Lathe and Milling machine operations.
- Indexing: Calculations for simple and differential indexing.
- Forces: Stress, strain, Young’s Modulus, and moments of force.
- Drive Systems: Gear ratios, belt drives, and hydraulic calculations.
2. Automotive
Focus: Internal combustion engines and vehicle systems.
- Terminology: Engine cycles, valve timing, and firing orders.
- Tools and Equipment: Use of compression testers and diagnostic scanners.
- Forces: Torque, Power, and Compression Ratio calculations.
- Systems and Control: Automatic transmissions, differential units, and fuel injection systems.
3. Welding and Metalwork
Focus: Fabrication and structural joining.
- Terminology: Templates, roof trusses, and joints.
- Tools and Equipment: Plasma cutters, rolling machines, and specialized welding rigs.
- Forces: Determining forces in truss members using the method of joints or graphical methods.
- Joining Methods: Inspection of welds, identifying defects (porosity, undercut), and destructive/non-destructive testing.
Conclusion: Strategy for 2026 Success
The Mechanical Technology Grade 12 Exam Guidelines for 2026 emphasize that calculations (Forces) carry the highest mark weighting in all specialisations. To secure a Level 7:
- Memorize Definitions: Safety and Maintenance questions often require word-perfect definitions from the textbook.
- Master the Formula Sheet: Know which formula to use for stress, strain, and gear ratios before the clock starts.
- Draw Diagrams: When explaining a mechanical process or a weld defect, a neat labeled sketch can earn you full marks.
Stay updated on the 2026 matric calendar and find specialized trade tutorials by visiting My Courses.
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