Skip to content

ACCA Applied Knowledge · Business and Technology · Technological factors

A car manufacturer uses 3D printing to produce prototype parts and small batches of customised components. Which advantage does this MOST directly give the manufacturer?

The main advantage is faster product development and economical customisation in small volumes. 3D printing avoids costly tooling, so prototypes and bespoke parts can be made quickly. It still needs raw materials and design, and it is not mainly a mass-production cost saver.

  1. AFaster development and cost-effective customisation in small volumesCorrect
  2. BLower unit costs only when producing very large volumes
  3. CRemoval of all need for raw materials
  4. DComplete elimination of product design work

Explanation

Additive manufacturing avoids expensive tooling, so prototypes and small custom runs can be made quickly and economically. It still uses raw materials and design work, and its cost advantage is in small volumes rather than mass production.

Did you get it right without looking?

One question tells you little. A timed set on Technological factors shows your real accuracy, how long you take and where you lose marks.

Practise Technological factorsFree diagnostic mock

More Technological factors questions