Explain how the choice of finish affects the cost, appearance and environmental impact of a manufactured product. [4]

Assessment: Design & Technology: Product Design 9252 | Paper 1 Mock 01 | Technical, designing and making principles Subject: Design & Technology: Product Design - 9252

Question 1 Report

Explain how the choice of finish affects the cost, appearance and environmental impact of a manufactured product. [4]

Answer Details

A finish affects a product beyond its appearance. It changes the manufacturing process, the customer’s impression and the environmental effects over the product’s life.

  1. Cost: finishing adds stages such as surface preparation, application and curing. These need labour time and energy, and some finishes require costly equipment such as ovens or plating lines. [1]
  2. Appearance: a finish determines the colour, gloss and texture. It may hide small defects or make them more visible, so it strongly influences perceived quality. [1]
  3. Environmental impact during finishing: solvent-based finishes can release volatile compounds and create hazardous waste. Powder coatings and water-based systems avoid most of these emissions. [1]
  4. Environmental impact at end of life: a coating can make recycling more difficult if it has to be removed or contaminates the material being recycled. [1]

Exam focus: when evaluating a finish, consider manufacturing, use and disposal, not only colour or protection.

Read lesson note on Surface Treatments And Finishes (OxfordAQA)
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