No product manufacturing strategy is one-size-fits-all. The unique characteristics of your products, budgetary constraints, and customer demand all influence which method you choose.
The key to successful manufacturing lies in analyzing your needs and experimenting with different methods. This approach ensures you find the most efficient strategy to hit sales goals and consistently satisfy customers.
Here are six manufacturing processes and 14 different techniques to consider.
What are manufacturing processes?
Manufacturing processes involve converting raw materials or components into finished products. The methods vary widely, depending on the product’s complexity, materials, and production volume.
Think of the difference between making hummus and a car. Both go through a manufacturing process, but they involve completely different steps.
Despite the variations, all processes have two things in common: They aim to produce items in bulk and have specific, sequential steps. Most are automated, which reduces human error, promotes efficiency, and reduces waste. But some methods manufacture items one at a time and by hand, making them slower.
6 types of manufacturing processes
Combining the right manufacturing technologies creates production workflows that meet consumer demand and align with organizational goals. And while every product is different, learning about manufacturing processes helps create a system that works for you.
Here are six different types of manufacturing processes and their benefits and drawbacks.
1. Batch process manufacturing
Under this model, manufacturers produce goods in batches or sets according to product specifications and customer demand. It’s ideal for medium-scale production because you can adjust the specs and amounts between batches. Book publishing is a good example — the manufacturer prints thousands of copies of one book and then adjusts the machinery for the next.
2. Discrete manufacturing
Discrete manufacturing yields countable items, such as automobiles, furniture, and electronics. “Countable” means each unit can easily be distinguished and quantified, so this process is best for industries where individual products maintain separate identities throughout the manufacturing cycle. For instance, automobiles and electronics receive serialization during production and need to stay separate. In batch manufacturing, products are identified by their batch number, not individually.
This method relies on an assembly line approach. Companies can produce multiple sizes, styles, or variations of different products using the same assembly infrastructure.
3. Continuous process manufacturing
Certain products are in constant demand, so manufacturers must operate production facilities around the clock. Any breaks in production could lead to a shortage of goods. In these instances, continuous process manufacturing — which manufactures products without any breaks — is the go-to method. Paper producers, some food providers, and the oil-refining sector all rely on this type of manufacturing.
4. Job shop manufacturing
Job shop manufacturing focuses on custom jobs, typically producing small batches tailored to specific customers and requirements. In this approach, manufacturers have the equipment for a wide range of production processes and adapt it to different products. This flexibility makes it ideal for specialized industries like aerospace, which needs hyper-specific specifications and close attention. It’s also good for print shops that work on custom orders.
5. Repetitive manufacturing
As the name suggests, repetitive manufacturing involves recurring production of the same product without any variations. The process ensures consistency and efficiency, and it’s best for products with reliable demand that benefit from economies of scale. Like discrete manufacturing, repetitive manufacturing uses an assembly line approach.
Many businesses that produce durable consumer goods and electronics rely on repetitive manufacturing methods. Since there’s minimal setup or changeover between production runs, businesses can adjust operation speeds to market demand. Automobiles often go through processes that are both repetitive and discrete.
6. 3D printing
Also known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing creates products with computer-aided design (CAD) models. It builds objects layer-by-layer and allows for complex designs and intricate tweaks, making it popular for prototypes, customized products, and even end-use parts. It’s common in healthcare, robotics, and fashion.
3D printing’s major appeal is that it allows businesses to create prototypes without retooling machinery or investing heavily in new production processes. Instead, they create a digital CAD model and upload the data into the printing platform. Once the prototype quality and performance meet the standard, companies update the machinery and add this to the manufacturing process.
14 common manufacturing techniques
Let’s break down some of the most common techniques you’ll find in manufacturing — from traditional to high-tech — and see how they keep the production process humming smoothly.
1. Casting
Casting is one of the oldest manufacturing processes. Manufacturers pour molten raw materials like metal or plastic into molds to create complex shapes. After the material cools and hardens, they break away the mold to reveal the finished product.
This process works exceptionally well for making complex parts quickly and in large quantities. It’s often combined with automated processes and precise machine tools to boost efficiency and consistency, making it a staple technique for many manufacturing companies.
2. Forging
Forging shapes raw materials (usually metal) by applying intense pressure or heat. Instead of melting the material like in casting, manufacturers heat it just enough to make it malleable, then press or hammer it into shape using dies or automated machinery. This creates parts that are incredibly tough and ideal for high-stress applications like automobiles and aerospace components — think of crankshafts, gears, and hand tools.
Combined with automation and modern machine tools, forging becomes a fast, efficient process supporting custom jobs and mass production with minimal waste. Many manufacturing companies rely on forging for its durability and precision.
3. Injection molding
Injection molding is a popular process for making large volumes of identical plastic parts. It works by heating thermoplastics until they melt, then injecting the liquid into a mold where it cools and hardens into the desired shape.
Many everyday consumer goods (from bottle caps to car dashboards) are made this way. It’s a favorite in the manufacturing industry because it delivers high precision and minimal waste. Once the mold is ready, mass production becomes fast, repeatable, and cost-effective, making it ideal for companies that need consistent quality at scale.
4. Compression molding
Compression molding is a go-to method for shaping strong, durable parts — especially with advanced materials like fiberglass or reinforced plastics. To start, manufacturers place a pre-measured amount of raw material into a heated mold. Then, they close the mold and apply pressure, forcing the material to fill the cavity. Once it cools, the mold opens to reveal the finished product.
You might see this technique used for car parts, electrical components, and appliance housings. It’s effective for companies needing high-strength parts at scale.
5. Machining
Machining involves cutting away material to create the final shape of a product. Think of it like sculpting, but with machine tools like lathes, drills, and mills. Manufacturers start with a solid block of metal, plastic, or advanced materials, then carefully remove excess material until they reach the desired design.
This technique is perfect for achieving tight tolerances and high precision. While it tends to generate more waste than other manufacturing processes, machining delivers unmatched accuracy for complex parts and prototypes.
6. Welding
Welding joins two or more pieces of metal (or thermoplastics) by melting their edges and fusing them. It’s a go-to technique in industries like construction and automotive because it creates strong, permanent bonds.
From small parts to massive structures, welding comes in many forms — metal inert gas (MIG), tungsten inert gas (TIG), and arc welding — depending on the material and strength needed. But they’re all useful in job production where customization and flexibility matter.
7. Laser cutting
Laser cutting uses a high-powered laser to slice through materials like sheet metal, wood, plastic, and advanced materials with extreme precision. The focused beam melts or vaporizes the material, making it perfect for mass production and smaller, detailed projects.
8. Extrusion
Extrusion pushes heated raw materials, like thermoplastics or metals, through a shaped die to create long objects with a consistent cross-section — think pipes or straws. This manufacturing process is helpful in creating high volumes of products that need to be lightweight yet strong.
Extrusion works well for both mass production and custom manufacturing, depending on the die used. Industries like construction, automotive, and chemical manufacturing rely on extrusion to produce parts quickly and efficiently.
9. Forming
Forming reshapes raw materials — usually metal or sheet metal — without adding or removing material. It relies on mechanical force, heat, or both to mold materials into the desired shape. Common manufacturing processes under this category include stamping and stretching. Since there’s no cutting involved, this method reduces waste and keeps material costs low.
10. Smelting
Smelting plays a huge role in manufacturing, especially with advanced materials like metal ores. This process uses high heat, often in a blast furnace, to extract pure metal from its ore.
Manufacturers rely on smelting to produce raw metals like iron, aluminum, and copper, which they later shape into finished products through other fabrication methods. Although energy-intensive, this process remains essential for mass-producing strong and versatile base materials.
11. Thermoforming
Thermoforming takes a thermoplastic sheet, heats it until soft, and then molds it into a specific shape. Once it cools, the plastic keeps that shape and becomes part of a finished product.
This method is common in consumer goods, packaging, and pharmaceuticals — any industry needing high-volume, lightweight items. It also works well for businesses that need a fast and flexible manufacturing process.
12. Bookbinding
Bookbinding may sound old-school, but it’s still a valuable manufacturing process today, especially in publishing and print-on-demand industries. After printing pages, manufacturers bind them into covers using adhesives, stitching, or mechanical clamps.
While some methods focus on hand craftsmanship, large-scale batch processes use machines to bind thousands of books in a single run.
13. Chemical manufacturing
Chemical manufacturing turns raw substances into usable materials through chemical reactions. Think of products like fertilizers, soaps, plastics, and pharmaceuticals — many of them begin in a lab-like production process before scaling up to mass production in specialized plants. This technique involves carefully controlled conditions to ensure consistent quality and safety.
14. Project-based manufacturing
You can’t make some things — like ships, satellites, or custom-built machines — on an assembly line. That’s where project-based manufacturing comes in. Also called job production, this technique handles large, complex products made one at a time. Each project is unique, often requiring detailed production planning and flexible tools. It’s common in industries that need precision, customization, and creativity rather than high-volume repetition.
Choosing the best manufacturing process: 10 factors to know
Getting the most out of your manufacturing operations means balancing efficiency, customization options, and budget constraints. Here are the factors to consider.
1. Produce design and requirements
Complex designs need customizable processes that support every specification without sacrificing speed. Job shop manufacturing and 3D printing provide more flexibility and customization, but constantly changing the manufacturing process gets expensive. If you have a relatively simple product and prioritize scalability, batch and repetitive manufacturing offer the best bang for your buck.
2. Materials
A product’s materials may only be compatible with specific processes or require specialized handling and equipment. Carefully consider material constraints during product design and prototyping to ensure the viability of your preferred manufacturing workflow.
3. Budget
Budget constraints determine which manufacturing processes are the most practical and cost-effective. Some methods require a high initial investment in equipment and technology but may provide lower operational costs in the long run. Budget accordingly and decide whether paying more upfront or distributing your money over time is worth it.
4. Volume of products
High-volume production typically benefits from continuous or repetitive manufacturing, maximizing efficiency and reducing per-unit costs. But those processes can be expensive if you don’t need a ton of product. Batch methods are the most pragmatic for lower numbers.
5. Time-to-market
If speed to market is your top priority, you need a manufacturing process that offers rapid production and scalability. Discrete and continuous processes are best for producing large quantities of products. But getting your workflows up and running quickly requires a hefty initial investment, so speed comes at a cost.
6. Equipment and expertise
While jumping into large-scale production is exciting, many manufacturing methods require specialized equipment, resources, and skills. Certain processes, such as job shop manufacturing and 3D printing, require specific machinery and operational know-how, so they’re more resource-intensive to set up. By contrast, repetitive and batch process manufacturing are simpler, which makes them a better starting point for low-resource companies.
7. Waste
Consider your waste tolerance and choose the solution that offers the best mix of scale and efficiency. Manufacturing processes like 3D printing are known for minimal waste production, making them attractive options for sustainability-minded businesses. But this option doesn’t offer the scalability of more traditional processes. Find a method that balances your needs.
8. Quality and standards
Produce goods that comply with regulatory standards and meet your target audience’s expectations without sacrificing quality. Choose manufacturing strategies that give you adequate control over production workflows and avoid surprises.
Combining your chosen processes with manufacturing management software further promotes product quality and compliance. These modern platforms provide real-time insights into production volume, rework rates, and other performance metrics that directly impact the quality of finished goods.
9. Potential risks
Every manufacturing process carries inherent risks, including supply chain disruptions, equipment malfunctions, and quality control issues. Assessing these risks and choosing a process with manageable vulnerabilities protects product flow and avoids stockouts.
Maximizing supply chain resilience helps. Diversify your sourcing strategies and find multiple trading partners so there’s a backup if one fails.
10. Adaptability and customization
Customer demand shifts in the blink of an eye. Build workflows that customize products, adapt to market changes, and meet evolving customer needs. Job shop manufacturing and 3D printing offer superior flexibility, but keep in mind they’re best for smaller projects. Consider working with a larger manufacturer that accepts changes when they come.
How to streamline your manufacturing processes with Fishbowl
Choosing the right manufacturing processes is only the start of your production optimization journey. You also need an all-in-one manufacturing management platform.
Meet Fishbowl, the scalable platform that unifies every stage of the manufacturing workflow — from raw material procurement to finished goods. It also unifies back-end business processes with front-end sales workflows via powerful integrations. And that includes QuickBooks.
To learn more about Fishbowl’s manufacturing production software, book a demo today.
