The Different Types of Manufacturing Processes That Exist Today

The manufacturing industry contributed $2269 billion to the US in the year 2020. Evidently, the industry has a significant contribution to the development of the USA.

Due to the diverse nature of items, there are various types of manufacturing processes. The manufacturing industry uses technology designs to turn raw materials into finished products.

Before you set up an assembly line, it’s wise to know the various types of manufacturing processes. You need to pick one that will prove the most profitable to your business.

Keep reading to understand the different types of manufacturing processes that exist today.

1. Repetitive Manufacturing

Repetitive manufacturing is ideal for any business looking to produce generic products. The process is common in rapid prototyping setups with a target production rate.

The product is the same year-round. Thus, there are few adjustments made to the production line. It’s easy to optimize this type of product development process since the setting is the same.

Most companies focus on increasing production speed to meet the increasing customer base.

2. Job Shop Manufacturing Process

If you want to produce custom-made products, then look into job shop manufacturing. In this product development process, you use workstations in place of assembly lines.

A specific job shop focuses on making a custom product as per a client’s order. Since a certain workshop focuses on a particular item at a time, you can only produce so much.

Hence, this process works best if you have a specialized clientele. Besides, custom products fetch higher profits than generic ones.

3. Discrete Manufacturing

Some business owners want to produce many products with various designs. They don’t find it profitable to go into either workstations or repetitive manufacturing.

This is where discrete manufacturing comes into play. This type of setup can produce products with various modifications. It has an assembly line, but you can keep on changing the setting to manipulate the output.

The new product development process will take longer because of the frequent changes. However, you’ll produce many products per custom batch.

Aeronautical and electrical industries are big beneficiaries of this manufacturing process. The frequent changes are hassle-free with a flexible metal such as aluminium. Yet, you must ensure that you work with reputable aluminium suppliers.

4. 3D Printing

Most businesses didn’t recognize 3D printing as a manufacturing process until recently. The method applies new technology in printing a model following a digital design.

More and more sectors have started to realize the potential of printed items. The items are an exact replica of the original design.

There has been an increased demand for printed goods in many industries. For instance, the healthcare sector needs prosthetic limbs and other medical devices.

Types of Manufacturing Processes

It’s advisable to choose a product development process according to your specific industry. Various items demand different types of manufacturing processes.

Custom products demand more time but fetch a higher profit. Yet, you can sell generic products in large volumes despite the low-profit margins. Other manufacturing processes are variations of the main ones mentioned above.

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