Manufacturing Glossary
This is a comprehensive glossary of terms, definitions, or phrases frequently used by manufacturing professionals.
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[A]
Assembly Line
A production process in which parts are added to a product in a sequential manner, often using automated machines and workers, to create finished products efficiently.
Assembly
The process of putting together various components or parts to create a finished product.
Automation
The use of machines, control systems, and information technologies to operate equipment and processes in manufacturing without human intervention.
Additive Manufacturing
Also known as 3D printing, it involves creating objects by adding material layer by layer, based on digital designs.
Agile Manufacturing
A manufacturing approach focused on being flexible and responsive to market demands and changes, often through the use of lean techniques and technology.
[B]
Batch Production
A manufacturing method where products are produced in batches or groups rather than a continuous flow. Each batch typically goes through the same set of processes
Bill of Materials (BOM)
A comprehensive list of raw materials, components, sub-assemblies, and instructions required to build a product.
[C]
Capacity Utilization
The percentage of potential output that is actually being produced in a manufacturing process compared to its maximum capacity.
CNC (Computer Numerical Control)
A computer-controlled system used for precisely controlling tools and machinery in manufacturing processes like milling, turning, and drilling
Continuous Flow Manufacturing
A production process where materials are continuously moved and processed without interruption, typically used for high-volume production of standardized goods
Cycle Time
The total time required to produce a product or complete one cycle of a production process
[D]
Downstream
Refers to the processes that occur later in the production cycle or supply chain, after raw materials or initial products are processed
[G]
Green Manufacturing
A set of production processes and practices that reduce environmental impact, often through reducing waste, energy use, and the use of nonrenewable resources.
[J]
Just-In-Time (JIT)
A production strategy that minimizes inventory by producing goods only as they are needed, reducing waste and storage costs.
[L]
Lean Manufacturing
A methodology focused on minimizing waste without sacrificing productivity. It uses techniques like continuous improvement (Kaizen), value stream mapping, and reducing lead times
[M]
Milling
A machining process that uses rotary cutters to remove material from a workpiece, typically to create specific shapes, holes, or features
[N]
NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement)
A legal contract between parties that ensures confidentiality of sensitive information shared during manufacturing collaborations or partnerships.
[P]
Powder Metallurgy
A manufacturing process in which metal powders are compacted and heated to form solid metal components.
Production Line
A series of workstations and processes in which a product moves from one stage to another, typically seen in mass production systems
Process Optimization
The practice of improving production processes to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality.
[Q]
Quality Control (QC)
The process of ensuring products meet predefined quality standards and specifications through testing and inspections during production
[R]
R&D (Research and Development)
The department or activities within a company focused on developing new products, improving existing products, or exploring new technologies
[S]
SCM (Supply Chain Management)
The handling of the flow of goods and services, including all processes that transform raw materials into final products.
Six Sigma
A set of techniques and tools for process improvement, aiming to reduce defects and variability in manufacturing processes to improve product quality.
Smart Manufacturing
The use of advanced technologies, data analytics, and automation to optimize manufacturing processes, making them more efficient and adaptive.
[T]
TQM (Total Quality Management)
A comprehensive approach to improving product quality and performance across an entire organization by involving all employees in the quality improvement process.
Tooling
The equipment, tools, and machinery used to manufacture products, including molds, dies, jigs, and fixtures.
Turnkey Solution
A fully designed, implemented, and operational system or product that is ready for immediate use by the customer.
[U]
Upstream
Refers to the earlier stages in the production cycle or supply chain, particularly the acquisition of raw materials or components.
[W]
Work-in-Progress (WIP)
Items that are in the production process but are not yet completed, representing partially finished goods in a manufacturing system.
