2023 HSC Timber paper

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Name the category exactly from the diagram (for example hinges, drawer runners, catches or knock-down fittings). The diagram is not reproduced here; check the paper and marking guidelines.

Memorise pack: notes 3.5

• Provides the correct category of the fittings 1

NESA sample answer

Catch

Answers could include

Latch, roller catch, magnetic catch, ball catch

Particleboard and MDF are made from sawmill residues, chips, thinnings and small-diameter plantation logs that would otherwise be wasted. Using them makes fuller use of each tree, so fewer large logs need to be harvested.

Memorise pack: T5

• Outlines an environmental benefit of using manufactured boards 2
 • Provides some relevant information 1

NESA sample answer

Manufactured boards are normally made from waste from the production of wood planks or
from recycled timber. This means fewer trees need to be cut down and resources are
conserved.

Area = 2.5 × 1.5 = 3.75 m². Two coats = 3.75 × 2 = 7.5 m². Litres = 7.5 ÷ 15 = 0.5 L. Cost = 0.5 × $45 = $22.50.

Memorise pack: T16

• Demonstrates a clear understanding of how to calculate the cost of the
 3
 finished coat on the table top
 • Demonstrates some understanding of how to calculate the cost of the
 2
 finished coat on the table top
 • Provides some relevant information 1

NESA sample answer

Table top area = 2.5 ´ 1.5
 = 3.75 square metres
 For 2 coats area = 3.75 ´ 2
 = 7.5 square metres
1 litre covers 15 square metres = 7.5 ÷ 15
 = 0.5 litres of finish
 Cost of 1 litre $45.00 = 0.5 ´ 45
 = $22.50

Logs are debarked, cross-cut into billets and softened by soaking or steaming so the timber cuts cleanly. Each billet is mounted in a rotary lathe and spun against a long knife, peeling off a continuous ribbon of veneer of even thickness. A pressure bar stops the veneer splitting. The ribbon is then clipped into sheets of the required width, removing defects, and the sheets are dried and graded ready for lay-up. (Decorative face veneers may instead be sliced: flat/crown, quarter or rift slicing.)

Memorise pack: T4

• Provides a sound description of the process of cutting veneers for
 4
 plywood
 • Provides some description of the process of cutting veneers for plywood 3
 • Provides a feature of cutting veneers for plywood 2
 • Provides some relevant information 1

NESA sample answer

Veneer is cut and manufactured from long sections or saw flitches. Veneer is produced by
slicing or rotary peeling of logs. It is sliced at approximately 0.6 mm (this is normal thickness
for the Australian market) or can be peeled at various thicknesses. Several cut methods are
used to create various wood grain patterns.

Air seasoning removes moisture from green timber until it is close to the outdoor equilibrium moisture content, reducing later shrinkage and warping. The converted boards are stacked on a level, well-drained site on bearers raised off the ground, so air circulates underneath and ground moisture and termites are avoided. Each layer is separated by stickers of equal thickness, lined up vertically, so air flows over every board and the stack stays flat. A roof protects the stack from rain and direct sun, weights hold the top layers flat, and the board ends are sealed to prevent end splits. Over months, or years for thick hardwoods, moisture slowly evaporates. The process is cheap and causes little stress, but it is slow and cannot get below outdoor EMC.

Memorise pack: T1

• Provides a thorough explanation of the process of seasoning timber
 5
 through natural air drying
 • Provides a sound explanation of the process of seasoning timber through
 4
 natural air drying
 • Provides some explanation of the process of seasoning timber through
 3
 natural air drying
 • Provides feature(s) of air drying 2
 • Provides some relevant information 1

NESA sample answer

In seasoning timber through air drying, the boards are stacked and divided by narrow pieces
of wood called stickers so that the air can circulate freely about each board. The stack is
slanted to facilitate drainage of rain. The process is inexpensive, easily managed, no
specialist labour required, no expensive equipment needed.
Section III

A CNC (computer numerically controlled) nesting router is one new technology transforming furniture and cabinet manufacturing. Parts are designed in CAD, and CAM nesting software arranges them on the sheet with the least waste. The machine then cuts, drills and grooves whole sheets of board automatically, with vacuum hold-down and automatic tool changes. This improves the industry by increasing accuracy and repeatability, cutting material waste and labour time, and allowing custom-sized kitchen and wardrobe cabinets to be produced quickly at mass-production cost.

Memorise pack: S4

• Provides a sound description of how ONE new technology is being used
 3
 to improve the timber products and furniture industry
 • Demonstrates some understanding of ONE new technology used to
 2
 improve the timber products and furniture industry
 • Provides some relevant information 1

NESA sample answer

Drones are flying robots that can be remotely controlled. In the timber industry, one purpose
of drones is to create detailed 3D maps of forests, automatically count trees and identify
species. As a result, we are able to assess inventory to better select timber for harvest and
plan for a more sustainable future.

Answers could include

• Microwave seasoning
• Laser cutting
• Handheld CNC router
• Global positioning systems.

Mass production and automation have had a largely positive impact on the timber products and furniture industry. They have greatly increased efficiency, consistency and affordability, although they have reduced customisation and some jobs and require large investment.

Mass production makes large numbers of identical products from standardised parts. Automation uses computer-controlled machines (CNC routers, beam saws, edge banders) with little human input; mechanisation (e.g. a forklift) uses machines operated by people.

Impact on efficiency and cost: a CNC beam saw or nesting router can cut and drill a full sheet of particleboard in minutes, run long shifts and reproduce parts exactly. Flat-pack manufacturers such as IKEA combine mass-produced board components with knock-down fittings, so furniture is cheap to make, store and ship. Lower unit costs mean lower prices and wider access for consumers.

Impact on quality and waste: automation removes human error, so every part is identical and joints fit, improving quality control. CAM nesting software minimises offcuts, reducing material costs and environmental impact.

Impact on the workforce: automation reduces demand for unskilled machine operators and traditional hand skills, causing job losses and resistance. It also creates new skilled roles in CNC programming, CAD design and machine maintenance, and removes workers from dangerous tasks at saws, improving WHS.

Limitations: automated lines are very expensive for small businesses, and mass production suits standard products rather than one-off pieces. Small workshops survive by making bespoke solid-timber furniture.

Overall, mass production and automation have transformed the industry from craft workshops into efficient factories. Their benefits in productivity, consistency, safety and price outweigh the costs, provided businesses retrain workers and keep space for customised, high-value products.

Memorise pack: S5

• Provides a comprehensive discussion of the impact of mass production
 and automation on the timber products and furniture industry 11–12
 • Integrates relevant industry examples to support response
 • Provides a sound discussion of the impact of mass production and
 automation on the timber products and furniture industry 8–10
 • Makes detailed reference to industry examples to support response
 • Provides some discussion of the impact of mass production and
 automation on the timber products and furniture industry 5–7
 • Makes some reference to industry examples to support response
 • Demonstrates some understanding of the impact of mass production
 3–4
 and/or automation on the timber products and furniture industry
 • Provides some relevant information 1–2

Answers could include

Advantages
• Increase efficiency and therefore production rates
• More products can be produced in a shorter amount of time, leading to increased profits
• Consistency across products
• Minimisation of errors
• Cost saving as automated machines incur less costs in the long term
• Allow the meeting of consumer demands at a lower cost
• Reduced labour costs
• Lower product prices.
Disadvantages
• Does not allow customisation
• Negative impact on the environment
• High initial investment in equipment
• Decreased quality
• Lost of jobs due to machinery and automated processes taking over
• Need of train employees to operate new machinery.
2023 HSC Industrial Technology
Timber Products and Furniture Technologies