The Different Types of Manufacturing Processes That Exist Today

Technology has come leaps and bounds since its 18th-century roots in the English Industrial Revolution. Nowadays, we can’t escape the connection of the things around us with sophisticated manufacturing processes.

For instance, maybe the chair you’re sitting on now, or the t-shirt you’re wearing were made using manufacturing tools and processes. Even the phone you’re probably using right now is a result of multiple intricate processes that produce components that make up your phone.

So now let’s delve into the world of manufacturing processes and see what we can find!

Repetitive Manufacturing

One of the most common types of manufacturing processes you’ll find these days is repetitive manufacturing. When a business grows large enough and has consistent demand for a product, it will use this process.

How does it work? The production line is geared to work the same way every hour of the day all year round! If demand becomes lower, the manufacturer will slow down production rates, and if there’s high demand they speed it up.

Discrete Manufacturing

Discrete manufacturing uses a production line, but in a much different way than repetitive manufacturing. In the manufacturing industry, companies use this process to make things like smartphones, furniture, and cars.

The production is not always the same. Therefore, the production line has to be calibrated to make different components and products.

Batch Process Manufacturing

This form of manufacturing might work in a similar way to discrete manufacturing, or job shop manufacturing which we’ll mention next.

Batch process manufacturing generally works on an order-by-order basis. A customer may want a specific quantity of the same product making. So then the manufacturer calibrates their machines to produce this product.

Then, when they fulfill the order, they shut down the machines and recalibrate them for the next order.

Job Shop Manufacturing

This form of manufacturing does not have a production and assembly line like the other manufacturing processes we’ve looked at. Instead, there are distinct areas where specialists make components for a final product.

This style of manufacturing lends itself to more bespoke and premium products where quality is appreciated by the customer. It can be a lot slower than other processes, but still can be profitable if the demand for these kinds of products exists.

Rapid Prototyping

One part of the manufacturing process that many people forget about is prototyping. This is a crucial part to get the products right en masse.

Nowadays, one of the most effective and efficient ways to create rapid prototypes is to use 3D printing technology. Plus, the accuracy of this technology is phenomenal!

If you want to learn more about how you can produce rapid prototypes through 3D printing, click here.

Manufacturing Processes Explained

You should now have a solid grasp of what manufacturing processes are out there. Some have been around for a long time, such as repetitive manufacturing, while 3D printing is relatively new.

Thanks for checking out this post and we hope you learned something new. If you want more quality content at your fingertips, please check out our blog.