Unit 02. Product Design. Materials, Components & Fab. Q5

Saw mills process felled timber into valuable wooded boards of various lengths. There can be large amounts of waste wood from these processes. To reduce waste and increase profits the waste material can be made into manufactured board.

Name one manufactured board

Answer explanation

Another benefit of manufactured board is its affordability in relation to real wood (hard & softwoods)

However, one disadvantage is that it does not have the same aesthetic appeal.

What can be added to improve the products appearance?

(a)  

As well as improving the visual appeal of the manufactured board this finishing technique has the benefit of adding:

• rot resistance

• more strength

• thickness to the board

• Value

These are the steps involved with the production of Plywood manufactured board.

Arrange each step in order from the beginning to the end of the process.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Answer explanation

What is the core of Blockboard made up of?

• Softwood veneers

• Softwood strips

• Wooden Chips

• Saw dust & adhesive mix

Answer explanation

A self assembly furniture company have designed an affordable display cabinet. The outer structure of the design is to be manufactured using veneered Block Board.

State one advantage in using this manufactured board in the construction of the display cabinet

Answer explanation

Correct. The answer should mention that veneered Block Board is stable, fairly strong, cheap substitute to plywood, lighter than mdf, does not shrink, is resistant to warping, and provides a smooth finish, making it suitable for furniture like display cabinets.

A school is refurbishing its classrooms and needs to choose a material for new desks. They are considering using either MDF or plywood.

Correctly categorize the properties of MDF and plywood in terms of strength and ease of finishing in relation to classroom desk

Groups:

(a) MDF

,

(b) Plywood

• Strength: It can support moderate loads but may sag under heavy weight

• Finish: smooth surface that is easy to paint or laminate, providing a high-quality finish

• Finish: Natural Wood grain, needs more work to prep & finish a smooth surface

• Strength: Generally strong, marking it better suited to heavy loads

Having Identified the properties of MDF an Plywood in terms of Strength and ease of finishing, recommend which material would be more suitable for the desks and justify your choice

Answer explanation

• Recommendation: Plywood is recommended for the desks.

• Justification: Plywood's superior strength and durability make it more suitable for desks that need to withstand heavy use in a classroom setting.