What is Manufacturing: Definition and 104 Discussions

Manufacturing is the production of goods through the use of labor, machines, tools, and chemical or biological processing or formulation. It is the essence of secondary sector of the economy. The term may refer to a range of human activity, from handicraft to high-tech, but it is most commonly applied to industrial design, in which raw materials from the primary sector are transformed into finished goods on a large scale. Such goods may be sold to other manufacturers for the production of other more complex products (such as aircraft, household appliances, furniture, sports equipment or automobiles), or distributed via the tertiary industry to end users and consumers (usually through wholesalers, who in turn sell to retailers, who then sell them to individual customers).
Manufacturing engineering, or the manufacturing process, are the steps through which raw materials are transformed into a final product. The manufacturing process begins with the product design, and materials specification from which the product is made. These materials are then modified through manufacturing processes to become the required part.
Modern manufacturing includes all intermediate processes required in the production and integration of a product's components. Some industries, such as semiconductor and steel manufacturers, use the term fabrication instead.
The manufacturing sector is closely connected with the engineering and industrial design. Examples of major manufacturers in North America include General Motors Corporation, General Electric, Procter & Gamble, AbbVie, Unilever, General Dynamics, Boeing, Pfizer, Precision Castparts, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Examples in Europe include Volkswagen Group, Siemens, BASF and Michelin. Examples in Asia include Toyota, Yamaha, Panasonic, LG, Samsung, Godrej & Boyce and Tata Motors.

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  1. J

    Manufacturing metal sheets of a car frame

    I saw this video of BMW car manufacturing plant on YouTube, and they showed how the robots fix metal sheets of various shapes onto the main frame ("skeleton") of the car. I was wondering: How to they make those metals in those particular shape. On one side there is the frame work, and the...
  2. B

    Engineering Advice For An Engineer Working In Automotive Manufacturing

    Hi, Im about to start work for an electrical component and wire harnessing manufacturing company. I am joining the company on a graduate scheme and was looking for some advice on what to expect from the job. Also if there's any background reading or knowledge i could obtain before i start...
  3. A

    Using Blue Laser Light for CD Players: Manufacturing Implications

    Homework Statement Currently cd players use laser light in the red portion of the spectrum. What changes would be required in the manufactering of cds if blue laser light were to be used? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Well I'm pretty sure it has something to do with...
  4. berkeman

    Small Liquid CO2 Manufacturing Machine?

    At my work, we go through a lot of liquid CO2 (LCO2), and dealing with the 500 pound LCO2 dewars is a real pain. I'd like to look at options for us making our own LCO2 instead, but have been having trouble finding information about small-scale LCO2 generation on the web. We use the LCO2 for...
  5. Ranger Mike

    Manufacturing Defects - not all parts are equal

    One of the things all the pros do is to check all parts before assembly..good tip for all racers..my life long round track driver, “ Krash” had a real head scratching problem. The starter he ran for years was now not turning over the engine. It was hanging up at the same point of rotation. We...
  6. Z

    Manufacturing Process To Made Air Conditioner Evaporator

    Hi! I really want to know how evaporator is made. i mean it is impossible to made by casting process, but i also not sure. anyboby who involve in this industry can please help me
  7. L

    Finding the time and cost it takes for manufacturing

    Hi, I'm looking for some help on an assignment I have been given! I know how to do everything except to calculate the time it takes for the turning, milling and drilling processes. I would appreciate if you could give me the formulas along with the answer! The component is attached as I...
  8. H

    Engineering Manufacturing design / process engineer - hands on or sit on yer butt?

    Manufacturing design / process engineer -- hands on or sit on yer butt? I've heard that manufacturing process design engineers (not sure if that's exactly the right title, basically designing the things you see on "how its made") have much more "hands on" experiences than other engineering...
  9. A

    Steel Manufacturing: Semi Killed & Fully Killed Steel

    what is semi killed and fully killed steel.
  10. A

    Yearly US Manufacturing Capacity 1946-Now

    does anybody have these numbers? it could be manufacturing SECTOR in $ of output. not looking for numbers of people employed in manufacturing or number of companies small and large. i think capacity is best. Have A Nice Day!
  11. T

    Cost of Manufacturing X Items (average cost minimization)

    Homework Statement If the cost of manufacturing x items is: C(x) = (x^3)+21(x^2)+110x+20 Homework Equations All right, so the first few questions asked for total cost of producing 100 items, and marginal cost. I understood those well. Then it asked for the average cost function...
  12. Z

    Custom Equipment Manufacturing

    I've tried searching for any similar threads but none came up please let me know of any. My question is how to get a job building custom equipment. I'm currently pursuing a mechanical technical degree in colorado. My ideal job has been since sixteen to design, build, and test custom heavy...
  13. Greg Bernhardt

    Wisconsin's manufacturing lacking candidates with basic skills of employability

    I was reading my local cities online newspaper and found this little gem of a story about what is ailing the manufacturing industry in the Midwest region. http://www.jsonline.com/business/milwaukee-7-will-work-to-polish-manufacturings-image-133080973.html Basic math! Shows how important it is...
  14. M

    Partial Derivatives used in a manufacturing scenario word problem

    Homework Statement A) if http://www4d.wolframalpha.com/Calculate/MSP/MSP10819hf7feh5hf5hh7e00004ga728h1d42i6h0c?MSPStoreType=image/gif&s=18&w=161&h=20 Find the partial derivatives? B) Suppose you are manufacturing blackboards and whiteboards and that P is your monthly profit when your...
  15. C

    Anyone know of a good book for manufacturing or industrial physics?

    anyone know of a good book for manufacturing or industrial physics? thank you for any suggestions.
  16. D

    Engineering Which Has More Job Opportunities: Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering?

    Did manufacturing engineering had market??if compared to mechanical engineering which one has more jobs opportunity?please help me.i'm confused .which one should i take...
  17. A

    What materials and devices require manufacturing in a vacuum environment?

    I heard somewhere that some materials and devices need to be manufactured in a vacuum environment. I heard superconductors was one of them, but I'm wondering what else there is?
  18. E

    Programs Master`s Degree in Manufacturing Engineering in UK

    Hi. Currently I`m studying manufacturing engineering at Warsaw University of Technology at bachelor`s degree level. After that, I`m considering continuing to master`s degree, but outside of my home country. Since English is the only foreign language i know, I`ve chosen UK. My main goal in...
  19. W

    Melting Plastic and Manufacturing

    Hey PF, I normally frequent the EE portion of this board, but I had a question about plastics and plastic injection molding. A buddy and I have an idea to create a rather small and specific plastic object in large quantities. We thought that to create small prototype quantities, we could...
  20. E

    Intel Manufacturing Technician good prior experience for aspiring EE?

    Hello All, I currently hold an AAS degree in Electronics Engineering Technology (EET) and am working towards a BS in EET with an option to take the remaining classes needed to get a post bacc degree in EE. Both programs are ABET accredited, and the school I attend is part of the state...
  21. U

    What are the different types of cold working processes used in manufacturing?

    Cold working processes: Below the recrystallization temperature if the mechanical work is done on the metals , there will no grain growth but it must be grain this integration elongation , the process is known is cold working processes. In cold working process greator pressure is required...
  22. S

    Extruder Head: Cable manufacturing

    Hi, I'm having trouble producing 22 AWG polypropylene cable. I keep on getting "missing insulation" and "reduced insulation". The Extruder Head I'm using is quite old and I'm not sure that it is "centered". But a mechanical engineer told me not to worry, it doesn't mater if the Head is...
  23. S

    Extruder Head: Cable manufacturing

    Hi, I'm having trouble producing 22 AWG polypropylene cable. I keep on getting "missing insulation" and "reduced insulation". The Extruder Head I'm using is quite old and I'm not sure that it is "centered". But a mechanical engineer told me not to worry, it doesn't mater if the Head is...
  24. B

    Manufacturing System: A Definition

    does anybody know a good definition of the above that does not include the words 'manufacturing' or 'system'? I'm tearing my hair out!
  25. S

    Determine materials used here and its manufacturing processes

    Guys, I have two objects here, need to know what are they and the processes they go thru to manufacture. Thanks, shubhash
  26. D

    Beading processes in metalworks such as in manufacturing process?

    Homework Statement What are the definitions and functions of drawing, trimming, and beading processes in metalworks such as in manufacturing process?
  27. Q

    Molecular Manufacturing feedstock- nanotechnology

    From what I understand of nanotechnology, a lot of it is based around assembling individual molecules one by one to make superior materials such as graphene and nanotubes. If this is correct, will most materials be made out of carbon in the future (assuming that they are manufactured with...
  28. R

    Patent Infringement and Manufacturing

    Dear Friends,:smile: Although i am not a inventor nor a business man, I do have a question about manufacturing and wish to get some comments on it. Is it true that for any product that you intend to manufacture and sell to the market, you must check all the patents and avoid infringement...
  29. E

    Examining Wear Patterns of Tools in Manufacturing Process

    I'm trying to study wear patterns of tools in a manufacturing process. My plan of attack is the following: 1) pre-image the tool in the SEM 2) use the tool to machine a superabrasive material 3) remove the excess Aluminum from the tool that accumulates during the machining process using NaOH...
  30. H

    Advice for a raw graduate in the Manufacturing field?

    Greetings, I'm a fresh graduate with a bachelors in mechanical engineering and iv been placed in a company that produces pistons and piston rings. I've never had work experience prior to this. If there's anyone out there who's had experience in the manufacturing line or foundry work, please...
  31. 1

    Seeking Information on Ceramic Brake Manufacturing Process

    Hello guys, my name is Danny and I am a mechanical engineer going through my undergrad and i have a question. Right now I am still doing my lower division courses and one of the things i need to do is to write a paper about ceramic brakes and the manufacturing process. So far I have borrowed a...
  32. S

    Need help manufacturing something with threads. THREAD FAILURE problem.

    hello everyone, this is my first post. Right now I am trying to figure out which equations to use to solve the following. I will have a block that will a threaded rod through it. This block will be next to another larger block. In between these blocks are going to be metal samples. Now...
  33. B

    Exploring Alternative Energy: Manufacturing, Economics & MWatts

    I know that economics must play a large part in determining why alternative energies aren't as effective as burning oil. Oil is cheaper. I'm an electrical engineering student and I'm curious about some of problems plaguing the alternative energy business. Ie. Solar, Wind, Geothermal, ect...One...
  34. N

    Car Suspension Manufacturing & Metals: Benefits & Drawbacks

    Im having trouble finding information on google about how car suspensions are manufactured and what type of metals are used. I am curious in understanding what the benefits and drawbacks are to using different metals. For example how certain metals will react when they are under compression. Are...
  35. K

    Cycle time of different methods of metal manufacturing

    Hi all, Currently I am in my internship, so I don't have any real experience in metal manufacturing. I have a difficulty of calculating the cycle time of producing a product. The product is a waterpipe fitting. The Fitting itself has 3 different types (Straight, 90-degrees elbow, and...
  36. S

    How Does Friction Affect Metal Flow in Sand Casting?

    During pouring into a sand mold, the molten metal can be poured into the downsprue at a constant flow rate during the time it takes to fill the mold. At the end of pouring the sprue is filled and there is negligible metal in the pouring cup. The downsprue is 6 in. long. Its cross-sectional area...
  37. Y

    Changing to Blue Laser Light: CD Manufacturing Implications

    Currently, most CD players use laser light in the red portion of the spectrum. What changes would be rquired in the manufacturing of CDs if blue laser light were to be used? I don't really get this question...CD players have to do with polarization and thin films... right? I don't know much...
  38. N

    Manufacturing (machining time for turning)

    Hi everyone, Following is a problem that I have made some progress on but am now stuck. I can see that I probably need to use the orthogonal model to approximate turning but I cannot see how do it, there seems to be too many unknowns. I am confused by how n and C relate to the model or how...
  39. H

    Syringe Pump Manufacturing: Motors Used in Systems

    What does it take to manufacture such a syringe pump? What kind of motor is usually used in these systems? http://www.macros.com.tw/p_kds.asp
  40. Astronuc

    Manufacturing - Cool things being made

    The National Association of Manufacturers has a blog, which lists videos of things being made. http://blog.nam.org/archives/coolstuffbeingmadecom_weekend_video/ How steel is made - tp://www.webcastgroup.com/client/start.asp?wid=0671017062835 Enjoy.
  41. P

    Manufacturing Electronic Products

    I got this assignment and I am stuck on one question, I just need a few pointers or websites with information. Discuss the effects of altering the gate dimenstions in the MOS devices and the geometry of the bipolar transistors used. I don't need mad calculations or complex answers, just a...
  42. wolram

    Unraveling the Mystery of Wave Packets: Manufacturing the Universe

    I do not know if this is the correct modern term, but it seems that particles can be thought of as wave packets? no matter what they are, what is manufacturing these packets in such a way that our universe is as we see it?
  43. J

    Materials and Manufacturing processes of engine components

    Hi, i am new to this forum and have just moved onto the second year of my BEng mechanical degree programme.We have been given the task of reverse engineering a 1.4l ford zetec s engine from a 1995/1997 fiesta. The problem we are having is identifying the materials used and the manufacturing...
  44. B

    [Ask] about manufacturing engineering

    Hai, I am an undergraduate student and i have some question about manufacturing engineering, any help and info will be appriciated 1.Has anyone has heard bout this major before?Manufacturing engineering 2.This major is a new major, so based on your guys experience is it fine if i finish my...
  45. W

    Can you help me estimate the minimum machining time for this forging problem?

    Ok i need help on this for my grade, very crucial. I have 100 posts on another forum, not much but I hope it will give me a little credibility. I am willing to pay 50$ via paypal if you are willing to talk with me individually, but only if you know what you are doing and how to solve this...
  46. J

    Circuit design and manufacturing

    Hello I am trying to find a all in one place that can engineer a circuit, create a prototype, and possibly do small quantity production. Does anyone know of a place, I've been searching the net for hours and most the ones I see are for just PCB design, or PCB design and manu. any help would be...
  47. Z

    Plastic sheets manufacturing processes

    hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii please could u inform me about plastic sheets manufacturing processes (pdf files prefered) thank u industrial engineer:smile:
  48. deckart

    Manufacturing Hydrogen: Processes & Energy Source Worth Investing In?

    What is/are the process(es) to manufacture hydrogen? The reason I ask is I'm curious as to the amount of energy required to get and store hydrogen. And, if the process itself makes it an energy source worth the expense of manufacturing.
  49. S

    Nanotech/Molecular Manufacturing

    Popularizations aside, what is the real potential of Nanotech and Molecular Manufacturing? Are they even possible? If they are, will they be much cheaper than the current manufacturing methods or much more expensive?
  50. B

    News Manufacturing fake news is not easy work

    Manufacturing fake news is not easy work! Iraqis cry foul over 'hostage' mystery ((BAGHDAD (AFP) - Religious and civic leaders expressed fears of a conspiracy after a reported kidnapping siege in an Iraqi town ended without resistance and in the apparent absence of any hostages. For...
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