Fig 4 shows a flat-pack shelving unit made from manufactured board. The unit has four shelves and two side panels. Each shelf is 600 mm wide and 300 mm deep...
Question 1 Report
Fig 4 shows a flat-pack shelving unit made from manufactured board. The unit has four shelves and two side panels. Each shelf is 600 mm wide and 300 mm deep. The shelves and side panels are 18 mm thick and are joined using cam lock fittings. The front edges of the shelves have strips of iron-on veneer applied to cover the exposed core material.
(a) Name the type of manufactured board most likely used for this shelving unit. [1]
(b) Give one reason why the front edges have iron-on veneer applied. [1]
(c) State one disadvantage of using this manufactured board compared to solid timber. [1]
[Total: 3 marks]
Answer Details
(a) The type of manufactured board most likely used:
Melamine-faced chipboard (also accept MDF or particle board). [1] Chipboard is widely used for flat-pack furniture because it is inexpensive, available in standard sheet sizes, and can be pre-faced with a melamine laminate that provides a durable, wipe-clean surface in a range of colours and wood-grain finishes.
(b) One reason why the front edges have iron-on veneer applied:
The exposed edge of chipboard reveals the rough particle core, which is unsightly. The iron-on veneer covers this edge to create a smooth, finished appearance that matches the laminated faces, giving the shelving unit a neat, professional look. [1]
(c) One disadvantage of using this manufactured board compared to solid timber:
Chipboard swells and breaks apart when it absorbs moisture. [1] If the shelving unit is placed in a damp environment or liquid is spilled and soaks into an exposed edge, the particles expand irreversibly, causing the board to disintegrate. Solid timber is far more resistant to moisture damage. Other valid disadvantages include being weaker than solid timber (longer shelves may sag under load) and being unable to be planed or shaped to a decorative edge profile.
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