One-off, batch, mass and continuous production. Nov 2020 Q18 and Jun 2023 Q20 both tested this topic.
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GCSE DT RevisionScale of Production
Key facts
Four scales of production
One-off / job production — single bespoke item to individual specification. High skill, high cost per unit. Bespoke suits, wedding cakes, bridges, custom jewellery.
Batch production — a specific quantity made, then production switches. Flexible, moderate cost. Bread, seasonal clothing, paint, furniture ranges.
Mass production — large quantities of identical products on dedicated production line. High investment, low unit cost. Cars, phones, cans.
Continuous / flow production — 24/7 automated production of same product. Enormous volumes, very low unit cost. Steel, chemicals, paper, electricity.
Factors affecting scale choice
Volume of demand — how many products are needed?
Level of customisation — identical or each one different?
Unit cost target — what must the product retail for?
Investment available — can the business afford dedicated machinery?
Economies of scale — higher volume → lower unit cost through spreading fixed costs.
Jigs and templates — hold materials or guide tools accurately so each batch item is identical. Increase consistency and speed.
CAD/CAM allows rapid changeover between designs — making batch production more flexible.
Exam questions — 4 questions · 12 marks · real AQA 8552 past papers
Extended questions included — read the hint. AI marks against the AQA 8552 mark scheme.
1 markBatch production exampleAQA 8552 style
A bakery makes 200 sourdough loaves each morning then switches to croissants in the afternoon. Which scale of production?
A One-off production
B Batch production
C Mass production
D Continuous production
4 marksCompare one-off and mass productionAQA 8552 Nov 2020 Q18 style
Explain why mass production is used for smartphones but one-off production for bespoke furniture. Include advantages and disadvantages of each. (4 marks)
Hint: WHY each method suits its product. Advantages AND disadvantages for both. Be specific.
+40 XP
1 markJigs purposeAQA 8552 style
Why are jigs and templates used in batch production?
A To ensure each batch is a different design from the last
B They guide tools and hold materials accurately so each item in the batch is identical, improving consistency and speed without re-measuring each time
C They allow one machine to produce many different product types automatically
D They reduce material wastage during manufacture
3 marksContinuous productionAQA 8552 style
Describe continuous production and explain why it is used to manufacture steel. (3 marks)
Hint: Define it (24/7, automated, no stopping). Then: WHY suits steel — constant high demand, expensive to stop/start, unit cost reduction.