What is the difference between fabricators and manufacturers?

03 Apr.,2024

 

Fabrication and manufacturing are industrial terms linked to the process of production or construction. Often, the two processes are confused, yet they are very different from each other. This article explores the meaning of both fabrication and manufacturing in industrial processes.

What does fabrication mean?

Fabrication is the process of constructing products by combining typically standardised parts using one or more individual processes. For example, steel fabrication is the production of metal structures using a range of processes such as cutting, bending and assembling. Metal fabrication will often form a complete assembly made from smaller sub assemblies for use with readily available standard sections. This is achieved with computer-aided designs (CAD) that are often programmed using computer numerical control (CNC) technology which communicates directly with machinery on the factory floor. By using these technologies, the quality standards of production are increased and higher quality assemblies are produced. This ensures a more accurate and quicker steel erection time on site, which is vital in high volume production, reducing cost for the customer through better material utilisation and faster assembly times.

Alpha Manufacturing has a team of design experts, experienced in creating fully assembled prototypes for prior sign off. This, alongside access to the best in machine and tooling technology, gives our customers peace of mind and expertly crafted end products. Some areas of expertise include:

  • Various pre-assembled balcony units for new build apartments

  • Modular utility rooms

  • Powered wheelbarrow chassis

  • Mini dumper components

  • Commercial computer server cabinets

  • Integrated touch screen terminals

You can read more about sheet metal fabrication here.

What does manufacturing mean?

Manufacturing is the process of converting raw material into a finished product. Essentially, it is producing something from start to finish. The manufacturing sector involves large scale production with the use of machines, tools and chemical/biological processing. It is the course that raw materials have to undergo before being considered a final product. There are many different sectors that fall into this category, including:

  • Apparel

  • Chemicals

  • Electronics and electrical equipment

  • Fabricated metal

  • Food and kindred

  • Leather

  • Lumber and wood

  • Petroleum refining

  • Printing and publishing

Alpha Manufacturing is able to offer a start to finish process to suit virtually any sheet metal requirement. From design to CNC machining, assembly to delivery, a full service is available.

How the manufacturing and fabrication processes differ

The key difference between manufacturing and fabrication is how much of the process a job involves. Fabrication involves the assembly of standard or specialised parts to form parts of a product to be used in the manufacture of the finished piece. Manufacturing, however, is a start to finish movement, from the creation of parts through to the final assembly to produce a finished product, often using areas of fabrication within the manufacturing process.

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To many non-specialists, manufacturing and fabrication are simply two workshop-based processes that use various techniques to assemble or produce metal products. Often, the two terms are used interchangeably, with little awareness of the differences. While many of the methods used in manufacturing and fabrication may be similar, the difference between the two can be understood by appreciating that making and forming are not the same.

If your business is developing a product, you may need to employ a manufacturer and a fabricator during the production process, to deliver a high-quality item that will create an instant market appeal.

Manufacturing (Making)

Manufacturing is a word that has become synonymous with the creation of products since the birth of modern industry in the first half of the nineteenth century. Essentially, manufacturing is the entire process of converting raw materials to a finished product, often involving mass production in factories using an assortment of tools, machines, and procedures.

Manufacturing is used in a variety of industries, from apparel and food to electronics and publishing. The common feature in all manufacturing processes is the course that raw materials undergo to be turned into the finished product. Rather than describing a single aspect, manufacturing is the start to end journey.

Fabrication (Forming)

A key part of manufacturing, fabrication is the process of combining parts to construct a finished product. Steel fabrication, for example, involves the production of metal structures by cutting, blending, and assembling. Raw metals can be shaped into components or parts to be assembled later, often starting with sheet metal, which is customised by removing material that isn’t needed, or by deforming it to make a required shape.

Often, in metal fabrication, pre-made components will be joined to form a complete assembly, supported by CAD software that utilises computer numerical control (CNC) technology for more rapid, precise, and error-free fabrication.

Fabrication is, therefore, a critical part of the manufacturing process, as it enables the production of high-quality finished products, quickly produced in high volumes to meet customer demand at a more cost-effective price.

The Importance of Fabrication

Although misunderstood and used interchangeably, manufacturing and fabrication are not identical processes. Rather, fabrication is a highly specialised and important part of manufacturing. When planning the production timeline for a new product or part, bear in mind that you may need an expert fabricator to carry out elements of the work.

At GLW Engineering, we offer a complete fabrication service, including design, advice, survey, and on-site installation if required. We are committed to working in partnership with our customers, as well as architects and designers, to ensure you receive the highest quality finish for your products, delivering on-time, every time. For more information, please give us a call today.

Image source: Unsplash

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