A-Level

• What are the common thicknesses available for manufactured boards?

  4 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm, 18 mm, 24 mm
• What is the standard size of a large sheet of manufactured board?

  8 feet x 4 feet
• Name four types of manufactured boards.

  Chipboard, Conti Board, Plywood, MDF
• How is chipboard made and what is its common use?

  Chipboard is made from wood chips and is commonly used for kitchen furniture covered with laminate.
• What are the characteristics of chipboard when used for shelving?

  Chipboard is fairly weak and needs to be well supported when used for shelving.
• What is Conti Board and where is it commonly used?

  Conti Board is laminated chipboard, commonly used in kitchen carcasses.
• What is the structure of plywood and its common applications?

  Plywood is made from thin laminates of wood glued together, used widely in construction for its strength.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of using plywood?


  Plywood is strong and flexible but can splinter when sawn and does not paint well.
• What is MDF and what are its common uses?

  MDF is medium density fiberboard made from powdered wood, commonly used for interior projects like cupboards and shelving.
• What are the properties of MDF when it comes to working with it?

  MDF is soft, easy to cut and sand, and can achieve a good paint finish.
• What happens to MDF when it gets wet?

  MDF absorbs moisture and will swell up if it gets wet.
• What is Sterling Board and its common applications?

  Sterling Board is made of compressed wood fragments and is used for flooring in sheds and lofts due to its high load-bearing strength.
• Describe FlexiPly and its unique features.

  FlexiPly consists of two outer layers of wood that are scored to allow flexing without splitting, with a thin layer of silicon in between.
• How does Flexible MDF differ from FlexiPly?

  Flexible MDF is kerfed to allow it to curve while retaining a smooth surface, whereas FlexiPly has the same surface on both sides.
• What is Aero Ply and its applications?

  Aero Ply is a modern plywood developed for the aircraft industry, known for being thin, strong, and flexible.
• What is Maplex and how does it differ from MDF?

  Maplex is made from 100% pressed wood fibres without toxic resins and is completely recyclable, unlike MDF which contains binding agents.
• What is Hexaboard and its specific use?

  Hexaboard is exterior quality birch plywood with a hard phenolic resin surface, suitable for flooring in commercial vehicles and aircraft.
• What are the common uses for various manufactured boards?

  • Stirling Board: Shed and loft flooring
  • Chipboard: Flooring, furniture (laminated)
  • Conti Board: Kitchen cabinets, bookcases
  • MDF: Furniture, cabinet doors (often laminated or veneered)
  • Plywood: Construction, paneling, furniture carcasses
  • Aero Ply: Jewelry, aircraft bodies
  • Flexi-Ply/MDF: Curved furniture, wall cladding

  
• What is the ecological impact of deforestation?

  Deforestation affects social communities and the environment negatively.
• What role do trees play in the ecosystem?

  Trees convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, provide materials for building, food, and shelter for various species.
• What is the significance of replanting trees?


  Replanting two trees for every one cut down helps replace the dwindling tree population.
• How does wood compare to metals and polymers in terms of renewability?

  Wood is renewable as it can be regrown, while metals and polymers are finite resources.
• What is the difference between hardwood and softwood?

  Hardwood and softwood are classifications of solid timber, which can be processed to make manufactured boards.
• What are the physical and mechanical properties of woods that are important for applications?

  • Classification of woods (hardwood vs softwood)
  • Stability of manufactured boards compared to natural wood
  • Unique characteristics of each piece of wood (size, grain, color)
  • Laminating process in plywood
  • Use of veneers on manufactured boards

  
• What should you be familiar with regarding the categories of materials in the syllabus?

  You should know the classification, properties, and stock forms available for each material, including textiles, glass, and ceramics.

  
• What is the importance of knowing applications for each specific material?

  It is crucial to name one common application for each specific material rather than using generic terms.
• What should you do to prepare for questions about materials in the exam?

  You should check your knowledge of materials at the end of the relevant unit.