The activities that have the greatest impact on our daily lives are often those that we do not think about. This is certainly the case with manufacturing. Manufacturing is the economic activity that makes virtually all of modern life possible.
Last year, global manufacturing industry output hit a staggering $41.9 trillion. It produces our smartphones, cars, homes, medicines, and everything in between.
But what are the actual manufacturing processes that make all of this possible? Read on to find out the main types of manufacturing that exist today.
1. Repetitive Manufacturing Processes
This is one of the most common product manufacturing processes in the world today. This is especially so for low-tech products with a small number of parts. Repetitive manufacturing makes use of full-time production lines that produce the same item, 24 hours a day.
This process is very easy to set up and scale according to demand since operation speeds can be adjusted at the drop of a hat. Essential to the continuous flow of production are manufacturing tools such as plastic roller components, which can keep the assembly line moving at all times.
2. Continuous Manufacturing
This one is similar to repetitive manufacturing. It also relies on a 24/7 assembly line system. However, in continuous manufacturing, the raw materials are usually powders, liquids, or gases.
These raw materials are refined on the assembly line to create a finished, usable product. Continuous manufacturing is most often used in processes such as metal smelting, oil refining, and the production of certain types of foodstuffs, such as peanut butter.
3. Discrete Manufacturing
Discrete manufacturing also makes use of an assembly line. However, what makes this product development process different is that it is very diverse and constantly changing. There are various different setups and changeovers within the product development lifecycle.
These changes mean that discrete manufacturing processes tend to take a much longer time. They are also used in the development of more complex products. The production of smartphones, automobiles, and airplanes all involve discrete manufacturing.
4. Job Shop Manufacturing
Job shop manufacturing does not make use of assembly lines. Rather, it involves dedicated production areas for each stage of the building process. It is most often used to create small batches of custom, made-to-order products.
You can adjust the process at each separate workstation according to the needs of the customer. Job shop manufacturing is often used in the production of specialized industrial machinery.
5. Batch Process Manufacturing
Batch process manufacturing involves elements of both job shop and discrete processes. Products are created in batches, with each batch produced in a continuous process. Batch sizes will be determined according to customer demand and then manufactured via a production line.
The batch production system makes quality control easier. One faulty batch can simply be removed without disrupting the entire operation. This is why batch process manufacturing is often used in drug production, where stringent quality control is crucial.
The Manufacturing Trends of Tomorrow
Understanding these manufacturing processes can help you choose the right approach. If you’re ready to future-proof your manufacturing, you have come to the right place. Check out the rest of our website for daily insights on the manufacturing trends of tomorrow.
