May 2017

Question 1

Explain what is meant by factor of safety.

Answer 1

The level of which the product would normally be expected to withstand.

Question 2

Explain what is meant by tolerance of a component.

Answer 2

Is the max & min deviation from the actual dimensions that will allow the component to perform its function correctly.

Question 3

Give two properties of stainless steel which make it specifically
suitable for cutlery.

Answer 3

Does not rust.

Good aesthetic appeal

Question 4

Cutlery is quite often electroplated. State two main reasons for electroplating cutlery.

Answer 4

Improves the aesthetic appeal of the cutlery.

Provides protection for the base material.

Question 5

Give one specific application for the use of plywood and outline one main advantage of plywood which makes it suitable for your chosen application.

Answer 5

Flooring

Plywood has good strength to weight ratio.

Question 6

Give one specific application for the use of MDF and outline one main advantage of MDF which makes it suitable for your chosen application.

Answer 6

Furniture

MDF can be easily cut, shaped and drilled

Question 7

Explain the difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics.

Answer 7

Thermoplastics can be reheated and shaped repeatedly, whereas thermosetting plastics once ‘set’ cannot be reheated to soften, shape and mould.

Question 8

Give three main properties of ABS which make it

suitable for use in safety helmets.

Answer 8

High impact strength
Tough
Lightweight

Question 9

Discuss both the role of the cost of the material and the environment that the material will be used in when selecting a material.

Answer 9

Costs – Expensive materials may be easier machined, and worked. Cost of some materials may result in the use of cheaper substitutes being used.

Environment – The stability of a material or the corrosive resistance of a material can greatly influence its suitability application. Weather conditions can also play a significant role.

Question 10

Give one specific characteristic associated with a patent.

Answer 10

Gives the owner the right to prevent others from making, using, importing or selling the invention without permission.

Question 11

Giveone specific characteristic associated with the (COSHH) regulations.

Answer 11

Helps to protect employees in the workplace by informing them how
chemicals and materials should be handled and stored safely.

Question 12

State two main characteristics associated with JIT.

Answer 12

Allows manufacturers to keep stock to a minimum whilst
responding to demand quickly.

Allows manufacturers to increase their productivity with reduced
costs.

Question 13

Three ways that the company may benefit as a result of adopting ‘right first time’.

Answer 13

Be able to run a production process without needing to carry
excessive inventory.

The company will be able to save time.

The company will be able to reduce the cost of production.

Question 14

Outline two main sources of secondary research.

Answer 14

Articles from books.

Items from catalogues.

Printed material from companies.

Question 15

What type of info would secondary research provide?

Answer 15

ergonomic

anthropometric data

info on plastics and manufacturing restrictions.

Question 16

State three characteristics of Batch Production.

Answer 16

Shorter runs than mass production, around 100 to 1000 products.

It requires skilled labour on the factory floor.

Can produce variations of the same item.

Question 17

State three characteristics associated with Gantt Charts. order

Answer 17

Enable processes to be carried out on schedule.

Map out all aspects of manufacture against time.

Helps companies to draw up an order of priority.

Question 18

Explain what is meant by statistical testing methods.

Answer 18

Refers to the use of statistics to generate the

selection of finished products for testing.

Question 19

Explain what is meant by the ISO 9001

Answer 19

A quality management system which helps monitor/manage quality across all operations. It outlines ways to achieve, as well as benchmark consistent performance.