The 5 Main Types of Manufacturing Processes

Anyone in the manufacturing industry knows that their products can virtually sell themselves if certain elements are in place. While there is always that constant struggle between quality vs. quantity, there is no reason why you can’t have the best of both worlds.

When showing potential customers around your facility, it is good to remember that the average layperson doesn’t understand the five main types of manufacturing processes and all they are looking at is the quality of product they can expect at the lowest cost to them.

Here is where those milling inserts are of prime importance. As you know, those inserts are responsible for a ‘polished’ finished product, especially when working with metals. It behoves you to use the highest quality milling inserts for the job at hand so that your rejects are fewer, the cost is lower, and the customer is happier. In the meantime, let’s look at those processes so that you can explain to your customers how you work and how it benefits them.

1. Discrete

Discrete manufacturing processes is perhaps one of the most difficult to facilitate because the actual process can range from a few setups and changeovers to several with greater numbers meaning a longer delay. While you can work with several products simultaneously, if time is of the essence, this may not be the process you want to utilise.

2. Repetitive

When it comes to the traditional concept of a production line, the repetitive process is what most people understand. This is where the same products, or those similar in nature, are being produced one right after the other. It is the manufacturing process most understood by the layperson, but it may not afford you the opportunity to put out the quality you are after without those milling inserts mentioned above. They are vital in quality control, especially at this level.

3. Job Shop

Job shops typically don’t have a production line and will often put out one-off products. Usually they are custom ordered and here again, those milling inserts can make or break the finished product. Cost is typically higher when manufacturing one product at a time, but it does give you the opportunity to do super high-quality work.

4. Batch Process

In the batch process within the manufacturing industry, products are put out in batches – as the name implies. It may be several batches over a period of time and it may be a one-off order. Batch processes can also be carried out continuously over a long period of time, but it’s all about products being manufactured in batches.

5. Continuous Process

Continuous process manufacturing is quite similar to repetitive and will often run around the clock. The difference is mainly that the end product in a continuous process is in the form of liquid, gas or powders. Obviously, you wouldn’t need milling inserts for this process, but they were used in manufacturing the machinery your company uses.

While you may not see why this is important, it is wise to understand that the typical customer is just concerned with getting the best quality products pushed out in the quickest amount of time for the lowest price. As you know, a job shop might not be able to meet the prices they can afford to pay.

By educating your customers, you can help them better understand why your time and pricing structures are set up the way you have them. When it comes to customer satisfaction, sometimes this information is all it takes.