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| 1. Select a material you have worked with, from the list below. Underline the material you have chosen. | |
| Scots pine - copper - polystyrene - corrugated cardboard - polyester | |
| 1a. Describe the source of the raw material from which your chosen material is processed. | |
| Scots pine is found in sustainable forests in the UK, Norway and Sweden. As a tree is felled, a sapling is planted so that the forest is regenerated. Scots pine is also found throughout Europe and Russia in Boreal and Temperate forests, making it a common species of tree. It is widely used in the construction and furniture industries. | |
| 1b. Using notes and/or diagrams, describe how the raw material is processed into manufactured products. | |
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STAGE ONE: The tree is harvested from a sustainable forest. Mechanisation
has led to the development of equipment capable of cutting down hundreds
of trees in a day. STAGE TWO: The ‘logs’ are transported to a sawmill and are ‘broken down’ (sawn) into boards. Every effort is made to reduce waste. Saw dust produced during this process is used in the manufacture of chipboard and MDF. STAGE THREE: The boards are seasoned, a process whereby a large proportion of the water content is removed. If the process called ‘air seasoning’ is used, it can take months before the boards are ready for the next stage. Alternatively, the boards can be ‘kiln dried’. This requires energy and heat and is more expensive, although it takes a couple of days. MANUFACTURE: The seasoned boards, are used by manufacturers and furniture makers to construct products. Products range from windows and furniture to electric guitars and boats. |
| Further information on Natural Woods to Products | |
| The Preparation of Timber for Commercial Use | |
| The Preparation of Timber -Air Seasoning - 2 | |
| The Preparation of Timber - Kiln Seasoning - 3 | |
| Summary - Natural Wood - Raw Materials to Manufacturing a Product | |
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