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Manufacturing and Fabrication – What’s The Difference?

Within the metal fabrication industry, the terms manufacturing and fabrication are used interchangeably. Although they are synonyms of each other, these two terms actually mean different things. Fabrication entails creating specialized parts from raw materials.

Manufacturing, on the other hand, means repeatedly creating the same parts and assembling those parts. Oftentimes, these two processes work hand in hand to create the final production. Let’s learn more about the differences between manufacturing and fabrication.

The Difference Between Manufacturing and Fabrication

Manufacturing

As we’ve discussed, manufacturing is all about creating the end product for sale. Usually, it requires prefabricated parts or components of raw material. It’s a large-scale process that results in a more efficient and effective way to produce a completed product for the consumers.

Simply speaking, the manufactured product is completed through conventional manufacturing processes. It ties hand in hand with demand and supply or ultimately, the supply chain. The higher the demand, the more products a business will need to manufacture. 

Fabrication

On the contrary, fabrication involves forming structures or parts through different methods and capabilities including but not limited to:

• Punching
• Welding
• Machining
• Cutting

The tools and machines used vary from manufacturing. They have more capabilities and are more advanced for delicate operations. The fabrication process starts off with selectively removing, adding or warping sheets of metal into their desired shape and form. Once that step has been completed, it’s ready to be processed and assembled either by a manufacturer or the fabrication company depending on the product.

Manufacturing and Fabrication – Which To Choose?

Now that we’ve established the difference between manufacturing and fabrication, how do you choose which kind of service you’ll require? To start, determine what kind of products you want to create. If you want to create a specialized or unique product that requires more details, fabrication will do a better job. However, if you’re looking to create products with generic parts and assembly, manufacturing is the best choice. It’s quick and efficient for mass production.

The cost and your budget are other aspects to consider. Most businesses looking to manufacture products, usually opt for a contract manufacturing scenario because hiring a manufacturing company or a fabrication company is extremely expensive. Keep in mind, contract manufacturers can be both fabricators and manufacturers despite the name. Even though contract manufacturers can fabricate your products, there are limitations.

Fulfill Your Metal Fabrication Needs With VeriForm

Regardless, the choice between manufacturing and fabricating isn’t just about your product or price. It’s about understanding the differences and the application of production processes. Having the company meet your requirements to the fullest extent instead of wasting time on mundane tasks such as sourcing the right material and so forth.

Now that you have a better understanding of both, you won’t have to worry about finding a subpar solution that doesn’t meet your needs. From the designing stage to the end product — everything should be taken care of with the right company. A company such as VeriForm.

The team at VeriForm has had at least 20 years of experience when it comes to metal fabrication. With state of the art technology and equipment, the job get’s done right the first time. When you work with VeriForm, expect nothing but the best. Contact VeriForm today for more information.