SQA National 5 Design and Manufacture Practice Exam

Chipboard, also known as particle board, is a material made from wood chips, sawmill shavings, and other wood waste that are glued together under heat and pressure. Understanding its characteristics helps clarify why certain options are appropriate.

The characteristic that is not applicable to chipboard is that it requires no finishing. While chipboard is relatively low in cost and can be manufactured efficiently from wood waste, it typically has a rough surface and does not have the same aesthetic appeal as solid wood or laminated surfaces. As such, it usually requires a finishing process, like painting or veneering, to enhance its appearance and protect it from moisture and wear.

In contrast, the other listed characteristics accurately describe chipboard. It is indeed low cost due to the use of recycled materials, it can warp when exposed to moisture or heavy loads because it is less durable than solid wood, and it is made from wood chips, which is a defining feature of the material.