What is the Difference Between Fabrication and Manufacturing?

Fabrication and manufacturing are two different processes that are often used together in industrial settings. Here are the key differences between the two:

• Fabrication involves the creation of parts from raw materials, such as steel or other metals, through various methods of constructing, building, forging, and uniting. Fabricators typically deal with component parts that can then be assembled to make a final product. Examples of fabrication methods include welding, cutting, and shaping of raw materials.
• Manufacturing is the practice of putting raw materials through a process to create a finished product or part. In contrast to fabrication, manufacturing involves preparing components for fabrication and then assembling them into finished products. Manufacturing often involves machinery and specialized tools, as well as chemical processing. Examples of industries that fall under the manufacturing category include apparel, cosmetics, electronics, chemicals and petroleum, plastics, and furniture.

In summary, fabrication is the creation of parts or components from raw materials, while manufacturing involves assembling those parts into finished products. These processes can be separate or interconnected, depending on the specific project or industry.

Comparative Table: Fabrication vs Manufacturing

The main difference between fabrication and manufacturing lies in the processes involved in creating a final product. Here is a comparison table highlighting the key differences:

While fabrication and manufacturing are different processes, they often work together in the production of a final product. For example, manufacturing involves creating the final structural steel from raw materials, and then assembling these parts during the fabrication process. In some cases, a production partner may provide an end-to-end solution, handling both fabrication and manufacturing for a project.