Aspects of Manufacturing

Manufacturing is the practice of putting raw materials through a process to create a finished product or part, while fabrication involves combining different parts to form a finished product.

Fabrication means constructing items from different parts using one or more processes and materials, including metals, wood, laminates, and solid surface materials.

Dimensional accuracy, surface finish, operational and manufacturing cost, and the complexity of the part.

Strength, toughness, ductility, hardness, elasticity, fatigue, and creep.

Density, specific heat, thermal expansion, conductivity, melting point, electrical and magnetic properties.

Oxidation, corrosion, general degradation of properties, toxicity, and flammability.

It is particularly important in industries like aerospace and automotive, as well as for sports equipment.

Processes used principally to alter the material’s shape or form, such as casting, injection molding, rolling, and sheet metalworking.

Processes used to add or remove geometric features from basic forms, such as machining operations like turning and grinding.

Processes related to surface treatments such as polishing, painting, and heat treating.