Production methods

Production methods

Processes and techniques that are used to manufacture a product. Production methods can vary greatly, depending on the specifications of the product and the quantity required. Determining the production methods is typically part of the process-planning phase of design, that is, the steps related to converting the design into a final product. Production methods must be considered carefully and planned properly because the production cycle generally represents a large investment of time and money. See Process engineering, Product design, Production planning

The two basic forms of production systems are job-shop production (for applications where the products are made either in single units or in limited production runs) and mass production. A third production form, specific process production, is normally restricted to industries such as the chemical process industry where the processing is the product, such as distilling and refining. See Unit processes

In spite of the many advances that have been made in the methods and equipment used in manufacturing, the basic categories of manufacturing processes have remained relatively unchanged. These can be divided into seven general categories: casting and molding, shearing and forming, machining/material removal, heat treating, finishing, assembly, and inspection. However, none of these processes is totally exclusive. See Heat treatment (metallurgy), Metal casting, Metal forming, Plastics processing