Six Types Of Manufacturing Processes

Mar 31, 2023

At Freeform Polymers, we specialize in the various parts of the manufacturing process—including injection molding in Utah plus so much more.

Here are the six types of manufacturing processes to help give you an idea of which will be best for your specific project. 

 

Manufacturing Processes Explained

Today, manufacturing involves so much more than big machinery and endless assembly lines. The industry has evolved to be diverse enough now to offer many options for manufacturing food, apparel, textiles, chemicals, wood products, computers and electronics, and so much more. 

The manufacturing process involves a series of complex steps used to convert raw materials into a final, working product. The right manufacturing process to choose of course depends on several key factors, like resources and turnaround time. Here are the most common types and some key features to help you determine which will help produce the needed quality and quantity for your product. 

  • Repetitive Manufacturing. This traditional approach caters to consumer demand and involves one product being produced one after the other, like an assembly line. The speed can be increased or decreased based on demand. This approach helps reduce the cost of production, allows for scheduling, and also visibility in quality control. 
  • Discrete Manufacturing. This also uses production or assembly lines but also involves multiple components—like individual units of sub-assemblies and parts to create the finished product.
  • Job Shop Manufacturing. This focuses on one-off jobs rather than assembly lines. It involves limited automation and production of smaller batches of custom products made to replenish stock periodically. 
  • Process/Continuous Manufacturing. This is used to produce identical goods repeatedly. Like repetitive manufacturing, it involves constant, uninterrupted, 24/7 production. This method reduces costs and decreases chances for error. 
  • Process/Batch Manufacturing. This is also used for large scale production but it’s done in batches rather than continuously. A period of cleaning and preparation exists between the production of each round. 
  • 3D Printing. This is a more modern approach that’s booming in popularity. While it can be expensive, 3D printing also has significant advantages. It helps save on labor costs and can be completed very quickly. It also allows companies to test their products before producing them on a larger scale. 

 

Injection Molding In Utah

Whichever manufacturing process you choose, Freeform Polymers can help. We’ll be there to help streamline your manufacturing and create the highest quality final product with solutions like injection molding in Utah and so much more. 

Get a quote for your next injection molding project in Utah today.