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1 What is Manufacturing：Definition, Processes, Applications, Prospects

What is Manufacturing：Definition, Processes, Applications, Prospects

October 24, 2024 Author: Tony

1. Overview

1. what is manufacturing?

Manufacturing is the process of converting raw materials into finished or semi-finished products. The process involves several components, including design, machining, assembly and quality control. Manufacturing is not limited to factory environments, but can also encompass handmade and high-tech automated production.

2.What are the processes of manufacturing?

The manufacturing process usually consists of the following major segments:

* Design: Formation and refinement of the product concept.
* Raw Material Procurement: Selection of suitable materials to meet design requirements.
* Processing: Utilizing mechanical equipment to transform raw materials into semi-finished or finished products.
* Assembly: assembling multiple components into a final product.
* Quality control: ensuring that the product meets standards and specifications.

For example, the automotive manufacturing process involves designing the appearance and functionality of the vehicle, sourcing steel and plastics, processing them using techniques such as CNC machining and welding, and finally quality testing.

2. History of Manufacturing

The origins of the manufacturing industry can be traced back to ancient handcrafts, and with the advent of the Industrial Revolution, mechanized production gradually emerged.

The Four Industrial Revolutions

Fourth Industrial Revolution

In the late 1700s, the First Industrial Revolution introduced steam power and mechanization, replacing hand tools with machines. It laid the groundwork for every modern shop, including mine.

During the late 1800s, the Second Revolution brought electricity and the assembly line, making mass production and interchangeable parts possible. This same principle underpins how CNC machines achieve precision today.

By the late 1900s, the Third Revolution arrived with computers and automation. Electronics and IT transformed manufacturing, and I learned programming on some of the earliest CNC systems.

Today, the Fourth Revolution is driven by IoT, AI, and cloud computing. Factories are now “smart,” using data to predict maintenance and optimize toolpaths in real time.

Together, these revolutions explain how a designer in Canada can send me a digital file, and my CNC machines in Asia can produce identical parts—whether it’s one or ten thousand.

3. Types of Manufacturing

Confused by different manufacturing terms and processes? This confusion makes it difficult to choose the right machining method for your parts. Understanding the various machining approaches is crucial for procurement managers!

Types of manufacturing can be categorized into three main groups: additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing and molding manufacturing.

1. Additive manufacturing

Additive manufacturing is the process of building a product by adding material layer by layer. Common additive manufacturing techniques include:

3D Printing

Printing complex three-dimensional objects, layer by layer, using plastics, metals, or other materials.

Laser Sintering

A technology that uses a laser as a heat source to form a solid by sintering a pressed billet of powder .

Light Curing

Simply put, this is the curing of liquid resin using light energy to form high-precision parts.

2. Subtractive Manufacturing

Subtractive manufacturing is the process of forming a product by removing material. Common techniques include:

CNC Machining

The use of computer-controlled machines to cut metal or plastic.

Milling and Turning

The removal of excess material through a tool to form a specific shape.

EDM

Machining complex parts by removing metal material using electric sparks.

3. Forming Manufacturing

Forming manufacturing creates products by shaping materials into forms, common methods include:

Casting

Liquid metal is poured into a mold, cooled, and solidified into shape.

Stamping

Sheet metal is stamped and shaped through a mold.

Forging

Plastic deformation of metal at high temperatures to increase strength.

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4. Industries Benefited by Manufacturing

Manufacturing is widely used in various industries, common industries include:

Automobiles

Manufacturing of a wide range of vehicles and their components.

Motorcycles

Manufacturing of a wide range of vehicles and their components.

Aerospace

Manufacture of airplanes and their components to meet stringent safety standards.

Electronics

Manufactures circuit boards, cell phones and other consumer electronics.

Medical

Manufacture medical equipment and devices to improve the quality of medical services.

Maritime

Manufacture ships and related equipment to support the development of the maritime industry.

5. Costing of Manufacturing

1. What is manufacturing cost?

Manufacturing costs are all costs incurred in the manufacturing process, including material costs, labor costs and manufacturing expenses.

2. What are the components of manufacturing costs? What are the factors affecting costs?

Manufacturing costs are mainly composed of the following components:

  • Direct material costs: the cost of raw materials used in manufacturing.
  • Direct Labor Costs: wages of employees directly involved in production.
  • Manufacturing expenses: the cost of operating the plant, such as utilities, depreciation of equipment, etc.

Factors affecting costs include production efficiency, fluctuations in material prices, and workers’ salaries.

3. How are costs accounted for?

Manufacturing costing is usually done using either the standard cost method or the actual cost method.
Standard costing is based on estimated costs, while actual costing is based on actual costs incurred. These data can help companies optimize the production process and reduce costs.

6. Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

  • Economy of scale: mass production reduces unit cost.
  • High efficiency: automation technology increases production speed.
  • Flexibility: production can be quickly adjusted to meet market demand.

Advantages

  • High initial investment: large investment in equipment and technology.
  • Environmental impact: the manufacturing process may generate pollution.
  • Labor cost: high cost of management and training of human resources.

7. Real-World Manufacturing Example: From Digital File to Finished Part

It’s easier to understand manufacturing when we look at a real project. Imagine you’ve just sent us a STEP file for a custom aluminum suspension bracket—a critical part for automotive performance. Here’s how that digital design becomes a physical, high-quality component:

From CAD to Feasibility

Our engineers first review your CAD model for manufacturability. For example, we check minimum wall thickness and internal radii to make sure the part is both strong and efficient to machine. This step bridges design and production.

Programming the Process

Next, we use CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software to translate your file into machining instructions. Toolpaths are created, and the program outputs the G-code that tells a 5-axis CNC machine exactly how to cut the part.

Machining the Part

On the shop floor, a block of 6061-T6 aluminum is mounted securely. Using a sequence of cutting tools—from large end mills for rough shaping to fine ball-nose mills for detail—the machine carefully sculpts the part over roughly 75 minutes.

Quality Verification

Precision matters. Once the part is complete, it’s inspected using a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) to confirm that critical dimensions—like hole locations—meet the specified tolerance of ±0.05 mm.

Finishing Touches

After machining, the edges are deburred, and the part is anodized for corrosion resistance and a sleek finish. Finally, it’s inspected once more, packed, and shipped to the customer.
👉 In this example, you can see how manufacturing transforms a simple digital design into a reliable, ready-to-use product. It illustrates the core of manufacturing: turning an idea into a tangible, functional object through a structured process.

8. Future Trends

The future of manufacturing will be influenced by the following trends:

  • Smart Manufacturing: improving production automation and data analytics through the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence.
  • Sustainable Manufacturing: emphasizing environmentally friendly and resource-saving production methods.
  • Personalization: meeting consumer demand for individualized products.

9. Summary

Manufacturing plays a vital role in modern economies. Through continuous development and innovation, manufacturing is better able to meet market demands and drive economic growth. Understanding all aspects of manufacturing helps companies stay ahead of the competition and prepare for future challenges.

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