A furniture manufacturer is considering using a modern composite board in place of solid timber across its range. Explain the factors the company should con...

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

Question 1 Report

A furniture manufacturer is considering using a modern composite board in place of solid timber across its range. Explain the factors the company should consider, referring to properties, manufacture and environmental impact. [6]

Answer Details

A modern composite board should be judged against solid timber in terms of performance, production and environmental consequences.

  1. Properties: board is flat, stable and consistent, with no knots or seasonal movement. However, it is weaker in bending across a span, holds screws less securely in its edge, and cannot be shaped or repaired in the same way as solid timber [2].
  2. Manufacture: large sheets can be cut efficiently using a CNC router, with no grain direction to consider, and can provide a uniform finish. Against this, dust extraction is required and cut edges need lipping or veneering to look finished [2].
  3. Environmental impact: board can use timber that would otherwise be waste, reducing demand for large-section hardwood. However, its adhesives may contain formaldehyde and the mixed material is difficult to recycle at end of life [2].

A strong response compares these trade-offs and makes a justified choice for the intended furniture range. [6]

Read lesson note on Developments In New Materials (OxfordAQA)
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