Unit 4: A4 Production in theory

Topic 4.1: Manufacturing techniques Questions

Practice 20 exam-style questions for IB Design Technology Topic 4.1. Review the question stems below, then unlock the full Question Bank to access markschemes, model answers, and AI grading.

1Explain1 mark
2026
Why can an anodised finish not peel?
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2Justify6 marks
2026
A public bench has a galvanised steel frame and oiled hardwood slats. Justify each finish and say what it costs.
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3Identify1 mark
2026
A mass-produced product has 3D printed parts in its development history. What does this usually indicate?
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4Explain1 mark
2026
Why is powder bed fusion used for a run of 300 titanium aircraft brackets?
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5Explain1 mark
2026
Why does gluing a battery into a laptop matter at the end of its life?
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6Identify1 mark
2026
Which category does laser cutting belong to?
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7Identify1 mark
2026
Which process is ruled out by choosing timber?
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8Explain3 marks
2026
Explain how you would place an unfamiliar manufacturing process into one of the five categories, using a saucepan as your example.
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9Identify1 mark
2026
Which additive technique builds by gluing down sheets and cutting each outline?
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10Identify1 mark
2026
A printed part breaks along a flat horizontal line. What does this indicate?
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11Explain3 marks
2026
Explain why support material is needed when printing a bracket with an overhanging arm.
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12Explain1 mark
2026
Why does additive manufacturing suit a run of 800 custom-fitted parts?
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13Explain1 mark
2026
Why does selective laser sintering need no support structures?
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14Explain6 marks
2026
An aircraft manufacturer prints a titanium bracket by powder bed fusion instead of machining it from a billet. Explain why.
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15State1 mark
2026
What is the fourth dimension in 4D printing?
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16Explain1 mark
2026
Why is a shape memory polymer preferred to a small motor in a vascular stent?
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17State1 mark
2026
What do the two extra axes in 5D printing rotate?
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18Explain1 mark
2026
Why can a flat not be machined on a lathe?
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19Identify1 mark
2026
Which process makes a large seamless plastic water tank?
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20Justify6 marks
2026
A laptop manufacturer glues its battery in place and rivets its hinges. Justify each choice, then argue against one of them.
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