Did you know that manufacturers contribute at least 11% of the GDP in the US? When you hear the term manufacturing process, you are likely to think of an industrial site with many complex machines.
But, due to the industrial revolution, many types of manufacturing processes are now used to make different goods. Most of these happen in a controlled environment with set conditions. Others can take place in a small workshop using small advanced machines like a CNC mill.
Do you want to learn more about the manufacturing processes that exist today? Continue reading to discover some of the most common methods of making different products.
1. Repetitive Manufacturing
Repetitive manufacturing (RM) is one of the most common processes for product development. It mostly involves making a large number of identical goods continuously.
Companies that use the process have several groups of employees performing a series of tasks. In some cases, they may use robots to complement human labor and speed up work.
RM is suitable for businesses with steady demand for their goods. Still, the output can vary depending on the market size and season. Some of the industries using repetitive manufacturing are electronics, automotive and durable consumer goods.
2. Continuous Process Manufacturing
Continuous process manufacturing is a method used in companies that deal with specific raw materials. These are often dry bulky goods or fluids that need treatment before creating the final product. The most common raw materials used in such manufacturing processes are powders, gases, and slurries.
Most plants and workshops utilizing continuous production run 24/7. Still, they may shut down about once or twice per year for maintenance. Some industries that apply this manufacturing process are metal smelting, food production, and oil refining.
3. Fabrication
Fabrication is a process used to make parts, machines, or construction products from metallic raw materials. It involves steps like:
- Cutting
- Burning
- Welding
- Machining
One common item made using fabrication is an aluminium sheet. Other products that undergo this process are cutlery, cans, some car parts, and hand tools.
4. Discrete Manufacturing
Discrete manufacturing is a process used to create and assemble distinct products. These are items that you can’t divide into any size, such as mobile phones and vehicles.
Distinct products often consist of components made by different manufacturers. Thus, businesses that use discrete manufacturing have an assembly or production line. The main activities in this section are connecting individual parts to make the desired final products.
Due to the unique nature of units made with discrete manufacturing, assembly line setups can differ. Besides, the steps followed during production will also vary based on the items a company makes.
5. Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM)
ALM is a production term referring to using 3D technology to create objects by depositing materials in layers. This manufacturing process applies rapid prototyping (RP), a group of methods used to make a product sample within a short duration.
The first step in ALM production is designing the model on a computer or tablet. The next phase will involve assembling it into a tangible item with 3D printing.
Understand Different Manufacturing Processes
Educating yourself about manufacturing processes can help you understand how some raw materials turn into those products you love.
You can also appreciate the unique methods used to create different items. If you want to learn more about the manufacturing industry, browse this page to discover other articles.
