Despite concerns, US manufacturing output in 2009 was 45% higher than China’s at over $2 trillion USD. The US is the world’s leading producer, but employment in the industry has declined. Despite fears to the contrary, the manufacturing industry in the US isn’t doing particularly badly. In fact, in 2009, the US had 45% higher […]
Near-sourcing is a type of lean manufacturing that involves obtaining raw materials from nearby sources to reduce waste and expenses. This can provide a competitive advantage by eliminating transportation and import costs. The connection between lean manufacturing and neighbor sourcing comes from the fact that neighbor sourcing is an aspect of lean manufacturing implementation. This […]
Additive manufacturing is a process of creating parts by adding layers, such as 3D printing. It creates complex shapes without excess material and is cost-effective. It allows for personalized items and fluid designs. A famous example is a hybrid car made with additive manufacturing that is gas efficient and environmentally friendly. Additive manufacturing, sometimes abbreviated […]
Space manufacturing involves creating objects in orbit or beyond, taking advantage of microgravity and vacuum conditions. Benefits include improved industrial processes and lower costs for goods. Products can be returned to Earth or used in space, and dangerous processes can be conducted more safely. Space manufacturing refers to the process of creating various objects outside […]
Insulation manufacturing creates products for buildings, vehicles, and other environments. Companies use materials with high insulating values to make panels, sheets, and blown products. They research and develop new products and may work on sensitive government projects. Demand remains high year-round, and careers include line workers, researchers, and safety supervisors. Experience in construction or engineering […]
Contract manufacturing is when one company hires another to produce a product, such as cosmetics. This can save money and allow companies to focus on their strengths. However, it can also lead to a lack of control over quality and production timelines. Contract manufacturing refers to a type of arrangement whereby a company is contracted […]
Direct manufacturing creates 3D objects from liquid or powder using a laser or narrow nozzles. Digitized designs are fed into a computer to control the process. It can be used for prototypes or end-user items and is suitable for short or uncertain production runs. DM can create complex designs that are difficult to make with […]
Process control in manufacturing ensures cost-effective production and efficient use of resources, improving product quality and increasing sales. Statistical process control helps manufacturers make better products and adapt to changes in the global marketplace. Japanese factories first used this type of quality control, and now many industries look to the International Organization for Standardization for […]
US manufacturing has declined since the 1960s, losing over 5.5 million employees since 2000. The US struggles to produce newer goods like cell phones and circuit boards, while traditional goods like tiles are outsourced. China is the strongest producing country, with 8% of the world’s manufacturing output. Asian countries surpass the US in technology production, […]
Laminate object manufacturing (LOM) is a rapid prototyping technique that uses glued paper and a laser to create three-dimensional objects. While not as accurate or durable as other methods, it is suitable for certain applications and allows for quick changes and design verification. LOM can produce scale models of products, which can be marked and […]
Laminate object manufacturing (LOM) is a rapid prototyping technique using glued paper and a laser to create 3D objects. It allows for quick production of scale models for design changes and can provide multiple identical copies for bidding purposes. Laminate object manufacturing (LOM) is a technique that companies can use to produce rapid prototypes of […]
Manufacturing inventory management requires separating materials by product, implementing internal controls, selecting cost accounting methods, using perpetual inventory, and creating an inventory reconciliation process to control physical inventory and accounting processes. Manufacturing inventory management is often a detailed process for manufacturing companies. These organizations may have various parts and pieces that make up the products […]
Cellular manufacturing, also known as lean manufacturing, is a newer process that reduces waste and increases profits. It uses cells of workers and machinery to produce specific components of a product, minimizing downtime and waste. Kaizen is a common cellular system developed by Toyota. Implementing cellular manufacturing can be expensive but has long-term benefits. The […]
Contract manufacturing involves a manufacturer outsourcing a specific job to an independent party for profit maximization. This allows companies to specialize in what they are best at, save costs, and reduce time. However, there is a risk of uncertainty and lack of control over the process, and outsourcing to the wrong company can lead to […]
Just-in-time manufacturing reduces excess inventory and increases efficiency by producing each part only when needed. Benefits include inventory reduction and cost savings, but disadvantages include transportation costs and price/quality volatility. Emergency inventory can ensure short-term productivity. Just-in-time manufacturing is a manufacturing strategy that increases process efficiency by eliminating excess inventory that provides no form of […]
Discrete manufacturing produces distinguishable products while process manufacturing produces homogeneous products. Discrete products can be disassembled and have individual value, while process products are relatively fluid. Examples of discrete manufacturing include cars, boats, and airplanes. The distinction is useful for creating processes that apply to many different manufacturing sites at once. Discrete manufacturing describes any […]
Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies use raw materials like metals, plastics, and liquids to create physical objects based on 3D computer models. Different types of AM technologies are suitable for different industries, with some found in industrial settings and others used in commercial or hobbyist settings. Laser sintering and electron beam melting are common industrial methods, […]
The electronics manufacturing industry produces electronic devices that use electrical circuits to perform functions. It began in the late 19th century and has seen significant technological advances. Innovations in computer technology have transformed the industry and made electronic products more affordable. However, the industry has environmental drawbacks such as toxic materials and energy consumption. The […]
Glass has been made since 3500 BC, with the traditional method still using sand, soda charcoal, and limestone lime. Soda ash was added to lower melting points, but lime is now used for greater chemical stability. Glass is shaped by blowing, pressing, or vacuuming, and annealed for strength. Float glass is the largest production method, […]
Batch manufacturing produces identical items in a series of processes, but can cause inefficiency due to machinery resetting. Planning, training, maintenance, and computerized control are necessary for success. Productivity balancing and maintenance planning reduce interruptions. Batch manufacturing refers to the production of a specific quantity of identical items in a series of processes. This style […]
