You may feel that the terms fabrication and manufacturing are identical, yet they relate to different processes. Manufacturing is the process of turning raw materials into a completed object or component. On the other hand, fabrication entails assembling various parts to create a final product.
Fabricators solely produce goods for manufacturers to utilize, not for customers, which is another often stated difference between manufacturing and fabrication. Even though fabrication and manufacturing are two different things, some of the processes—like machining, tooling, and joining—can be identical.
In this reading, we’ll explore what fabrication and manufacturing are and also outline their key differences.
Let’s get started!
What Is Fabrication?
Fabrication is the assembly of products from several pieces utilising at least one of several procedures and materials, including metal, laminates, wood, and other solid surface materials. In other words, it is the process of creating something from start to finish using semi-finished or raw components.
Fabrication can be done by hand, like many other manufacturing processes. However, these days, most of the time, the process is automated with computer-aided designs (CAD) that can be programmed into computer numerical control (CNC) technologies that can talk directly with machines on the shop floor.
This cuts down on lead times, costs, and material use while improving quality and accuracy. The fabricator’s process typically involves the production of objects from manufactured materials, such as steel, which can be subsequently assembled to form larger metal structures.
Fabrication also includes the production of components for engines, machineries, tools, and household appliances.
A fabrication shop (or fab shop) normally completes this work and bids on the contract based on engineering drawings and specifications. Stamping, welding, cutting, bending, and assembly are common steps involved in metal fabrication.
Related: What Are The Processes of Plastic Fabrication?
What Is Manufacturing?
Manufacturing can be defined as either the large-scale conversion of raw materials into final products or the creation of intricate components by selling basic goods to manufacturers for the production of automobiles, aircraft, or household appliances.
It is the process of producing items using manpower, machinery, and tools, as well as biological or chemical processing or formulation.
Manufacturing engineering, often known as the manufacturing process, turns raw materials into finished products. The process starts with product design and material selection. To produce the final product, the materials undergo a number of modifications during the production process.
In order to develop the different components for a finished product, modern advanced manufacturing frequently involves multiple intermediate procedures; some manufacturers refer to this as fabrication.
What Are the Differences Between Fabrication and Manufacturing?
Fabrication is the process of assembling various components to create a final product. On the other hand, manufacturing is the process of taking raw materials and turning them into a final product. Certain aspects of fabrication do fall under the manufacturing category, and the difference between them does appear to be subtle.
Manufacturing, on the other hand, is a more inclusive process that includes both the creation process and the elements. Fabrication is assembling pre-assembled components to produce a finished product rather than creating them from scratch.
The project you are working on will determine whether you require fabrication or manufacturing. However, depending on your requirements, an experienced design and production team can handle both fabrication and manufacture.