Ceist Eile

Ceist Eile is in development. Features, questions and prices may change while we refine it.

Subjects · Leaving Cert Technology

Leaving Cert Technology: Processes, tools & CAM

How often Processes, tools & CAM comes up on the Technology papers, every year it was asked, and questions to try.

HL Asked on 8 of the last 9 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2025. most years

OL Asked on 8 of the last 9 Ordinary Level papers, most recently in 2025. most years

Processes, tools & CAM, Higher Level(8 marks)

Quick ones on Processes, tools & CAM.

(a)3D printing by FDM is an example of:
  1. Subtractive manufacturing
  2. Additive manufacturing
  3. Casting
(b)Why is injection moulding used for mass-produced phone cases?
  1. It works only with thermosetting plastics, which are tough
  2. The mould is cheap to make, so it suits one-off parts
  3. Complex parts made fast and cheaply once the mould exists
(c)What is a main advantage of CNC machining over making parts by hand?
  1. Identical parts made accurately and repeatedly
  2. Guards and safety checks are not needed
  3. No drawing or program is needed
Show the answers

(a) Additive manufacturing

(b) Complex parts made fast and cheaply once the mould exists

(c) Identical parts made accurately and repeatedly

Your turn: Higher Level questions on Processes, tools & CAM.

Higher Level

Asked on 8 of the last 9 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2025. most years

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2025A2, A14
2024A12, B3b, B3c, B3d
2023A14
2022B2d
2021A14, B3a
2019Not asked
2018A1
2017A14
2016A11, B2d

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

More Processes, tools & CAM questions

Processes, tools & CAM, 3 marks

Why is a laser cutter used to cut acrylic parts in school?

  1. It can cut and bend thick steel sheet in one pass
  2. It needs no fume extraction, unlike other tools
  3. Accurate, complex shapes straight from a CAD file
Show the answer

Accurate, complex shapes straight from a CAD file

The laser follows the CAD drawing exactly, gives a polished edge on acrylic and repeats parts. It must be used with extraction because of the fumes.

Processes, tools & CAM, 3 marks

Why do some FDM 3D prints need support material?

  1. To add colour to the print's outer surface
  2. To hold up overhanging parts while they print
  3. To cool the nozzle between each layer printed
Show the answer

To hold up overhanging parts while they print

Each layer must be laid on something. Steep overhangs and bridges need temporary supports, which are removed after printing.

Processes, tools & CAM, 2 marks

Which tool heats acrylic along a straight line so it can be bent?

  1. Strip heater (line bender)
  2. Vacuum former (heater tray)
  3. Pillar drill (drill press)
Show the answer

Strip heater (line bender)

The strip heater softens a narrow band of the thermoplastic. It is then bent, often over a jig, and held until it cools and sets.

Ordinary Level

Asked on 8 of the last 9 Ordinary Level papers, most recently in 2025. most years

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2025A1, A8
2024A6, B3d
2023A9
2022Not asked
2021B3a, B3b
2019B2a, B3b
2018A3, A9, B3a
2017B2b
2016A10

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

More Processes, tools & CAM questions

Processes, tools & CAM, 2 marks

3D printing is called additive manufacturing because it…

  1. Cuts material away from a solid block
  2. Adds colour after the part is moulded
  3. Builds an object up layer by layer
Show the answer

Builds an object up layer by layer

3D printers add material only where needed, so there is little waste. Subtractive methods such as CNC milling or turning cut material away from a larger block.

Processes, tools & CAM, 2 marks

What does CAM stand for?

  1. Controlled automatic machining
  2. Computer aided manufacture
  3. Computer assisted modelling
Show the answer

Computer aided manufacture

CAM uses computer-controlled machines such as laser cutters, CNC routers and 3D printers to make parts straight from a CAD drawing, accurately and repeatably.

Processes, tools & CAM, 3 marks

Which process is best for making a plastic tray from a thin sheet pulled over a mould?

  1. Vacuum forming
  2. Blow moulding
  3. Extrusion
Show the answer

Vacuum forming

A heated thermoplastic sheet, often HIPS, is sucked down over a mould. It suits trays, packaging and masks. Blow moulding makes hollow items like bottles.

Other Technology topics

All of Leaving Cert Technology