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Manufacturing
Technology Vocabulary
Raw Materials
Most materials can not be used in their natural state to manufacture
goods. Raw materials are natural resources that can be processed
into industrial materials. Some examples are wood, iron ore, and
cotton.
Industrial Materials
Natural resources (raw materials) that have been processed for direct
use in manufacturing are called industrial materials. Some
examples are lumber, steel, and cloth.
Primary Processes
The processes that convert raw materials into industrial materials are
called primary processes. The raw materials may be processed
mechanically, chemically, or by a variety of thermal processes.
Secondary Processes
The processes that convert industrial materials into finished goods are
called secondary processes. Some examples of secondary processes
are cutting, forming, shaping, combining, conditioning, joining,
assembling, and finishing.
Continuous (Mass) Production
When companies need to produce large quantities of the same item, a
continuous production system is used. Often referred to as mass
production, this type of production usually uses an assembly line or a
production line technique. Products move from one workstation to
the next where parts are added until assembly is completed.
Custom Production
In custom production, items are made individually according to the
customer's specifications. A birthday cake from the bakery, a
tailored suit, a race car, and a cruise ship are all examples of
custom-produced products.
Job Lot Production
When only a specific quantity of a product is needed, job lot
production is used. Although it is a short-term production
method, the same production techniques used in mass production may be
used in job lot production. Seasonal items such as holiday
decorations, for example, are manufactured using job lot production.
Manufacturing Organization
Most manufacturing companies have similar organization.
Ideas for products are explored by the research and development
department. Then products are designed and specifications are
developed by the engineering department. Industrial
materials are located and bought by the purchasing department,
and then the production department can make the product.
After (and often during) production, the items are sent to the quality
control department, where they are checked against the design
specifications. Packaging materials and shipping containers are
often made specifically for the product by the packaging
department, which prepares the item for shipping.
Throughout the entire manufacturing process, the marketing and sales
department is looking for customers to buy the product. Marketing
specialists develop advertising plans, while sales personnel often
negotiate deals for large customers and answer inquiries about the
product. The distribution department then arranges for
product transportation and delivery to the customer.
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