United States manufacturers employ 8.58% of the workforce and account for 10.94% of the state’s entire output.
Manufacturing processes can vary, but no matter the difference in how a product is created, it is vital to our economy. It is how we can transform raw materials into an everyday product that we can use, and may even save our lives.
Just like there are various raw materials and finished products on the market, there are different ways to manufacture products. Here, we will explain five very important manufacturing processes that are working day after day to help you live your best life.
Keep reading and you will be even more amazed at human ingenuity.
In this article
1. Repetitive Manufacturing
This type of manufacturing is basic, using an assembly line to create the same, or similar, product 24/7. Verticals in the manufacturing industry that use repetitive manufacturing processes are companies that create items like:
- Automotive
- Durable consumer goods
- Electronics
- Semiconductor
The reason that these types of manufacturing companies are ideal for a repetitive process is that the finished products they create are predictable and stable.
The assembly line must be consistent. Plans are determined by quantity and time. To produce products in a high volume or “make-to-stock production,” this is the best process to use.
2. Discrete Manufacturing
Discrete manufacturing is relative to repetitive. While discrete manufacturing also uses a production line, the finished goods will vary.
Product models will switch, and an assembly line requires an alteration to the line configuration. Manufacturing facilities often refer to this as a “changeover.” Set-up costs will carry by labor, resources, and time.
This link shows a great way to reduce the costs of manufacturing equipment.
3. Job Shop Manufacturing
With this process, instead of the assembly line, there is a production area. This can be a workshop or workstation. Products can pass through each station, and each worker may add something. The final product will be ready at the last stop.
This type of product development lifecycle is ideal for custom manufacturing. It is a slower process and works well when there are highly customized products in a low volume.
The best examples of job shop manufacturing would be a company that builds custom cabinets or something more advanced, like a business that manufactures fighter jets.
4. Continuous Process Manufacturing
Just like repetitive manufacturing, it runs 24/7, creating larger orders of products that are the same or similar.
Unlike repetitive manufacturing, which tends to use solid-state components, continuous process manufacturing is for powders, liquids, gases, and slurries. This is ideal for companies that produce items like:
- Chemicals/industrial gases
- Fertilizers
- Furnace–Alloys, Iron, and Steel
- Paper
- Pharmaceutics
- Oil refining
Other than the difference in raw materials, it is very much like repetitive manufacturing.
5. Batch Process Manufacturing
This differs from the continuous manufacturing process. It is much like a job shop and discrete manufacturing. They create new product development in batches to serve their customers.
Until a company needs a new batch, they will clean the equipment and leave it alone. Like the continuous process of manufacturing, however, the raw materials are gases, liquids, powders, and slurries. Examples of such products would be a sauce manufacturer that sells ketchup or mayonnaise.
Manufacturing Processes
There it is. There are five types of manufacturing processes that keep the economy going and help people live their lives. Whether you need a car, medicine, a kitchen cabinet, or ketchup, these five manufacturing processes will get the job done.
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