If you’re undertaking any kind of fit-out or renovation project, you may have come across the terms ‘fabrication’ and ‘manufacturing’. These terms are often used interchangeably even though they refer to different processes. In this post, we’ll explain what manufacturing and fabrication are and the key differences between the two industrial processes.
What is Fabrication?
Fabrication is a general term for constructing products from different parts using a range of processes. This term is most commonly used in steel fabrication, which is the production of steel products by cutting, bending, punching, stamping, and welding different pieces of steel to create a finished product.
Metal fabrication usually involves computer numerical control (CNC) technology. This allows different assembly processes to be automated by communicating directly with the machinery used.
Using CNC technology greatly increases the accuracy and efficiency of metal fabrication by giving consistent results. It also saves money for the end customer since the process allows pieces to be mass-produced. However, not all metal fabrication processes can be automated in this way. Many processes still rely on skilled fabricators to give the best results.
As well as metal fabrication there is also natural wood, soft wood, hard wood, laminate, metal and solid surface materials.
At Creative Edge, we’ve invested in the best machinery for all types of fabrication including:
- Reception desks
- Wash stations
- Boardroom desks
- Coffee stations
- Feature shelving
- Retail displays
- Lockers
- Benching
- Servery counters
- And more
What is Manufacturing?
This is the process of turning raw materials into a finalised product. This also involves machinery and specialised tools, as well as chemical processing.
For something to be considered “manufactured”, it must have raw materials that have gone through a set process and transformed into a final product.
Many industries fall under the manufacturing category, including:
- Apparel
- Cosmetics
- Printing and publishing
- Electronics
- Chemicals and petroleum
- Plastics
- Furniture
- And more
So, What’s the Difference Between Fabrication and Manufacturing?
Fabrication involves combining different parts to form a finished product. Whereas manufacturing is taking raw materials and putting them through a process to create a finished product.
The difference between them does seem nuanced, and certain areas of fabrication do fall under the manufacturing umbrella. However, manufacturing is a more inclusive process that involves the creation of elements and the creation process. Fabrication doesn’t involve creating elements, but combining pre-assembled elements to create a final product.
Whether you need manufacturing or fabrication will depend on the project you are undertaking. But a skilled design and manufacturing team will be able to undertake both fabrication and manufacturing depending on your needs.
Speak to our team today to discuss your bespoke fabrication.
