Machining.Blog® is a weekly blog focused on manufacturing career development. It features blog articles on the fundamentals of manufacturing for aspiring machinists. Our goal is to create an interest in manufacturing in the USA. Our writer Matthew Schowalter has worked in manufacturing for 24 years, and he covers the topics that matter to someone starting their career in manufacturing.

Machining Blog logo BLUE 600x300 LLC.jpg

“The soft skills the machinist uses are the unseen tools in their box and can directly impact the success or failure of a dreamed after machining career.”

Manufacturing Terms to Know

Within the manufacturing industry there are many sectors and a lot of terms to know and understand. Here we will define what some terms are and how they relate to manufacturing.

  • Manufacturing Automation: Is the use of technology and advanced machines to control the manufacturing of products. It may include the use of robotics or other equipment to aid in manufacturing.

  • Manufacturing Business: An organization that uses raw materials, parts, or other components to make products. To make the products they use automated systems and advanced equipment.

  • Manufacturing Careers: To work in an industry that produces products using parts and raw materials. These jobs could be hands-on, technical, or management roles.

  • Manufacturing Certification: A credential that validates a person’s skill. It may help the individual advance their career and stand out in a job search.

  • Manufacturing Companies: A business that makes products from raw materials or other parts. These companies may do manufacturing processes such as machining and assembly.

  • Manufacturing Cost Reduction: Producing goods while involving strategies to decrease the expenses. Some ways to reduce costs are automation or lean manufacturing strategies.

  • Manufacturing Efficiency: Producing products in the most efficient way possible. There is minimal waste in the processes.

  • Manufacturing Equipment: Machines and tools used to produce products. This equipment may include machine tools or fabrication equipment.

  • Manufacturing Facilities: A building where products are made from raw materials. The buildings have machines and tools for manufacturing production.

  • Manufacturing Industry: It is businesses and activities that produce products. There are many sectors in the manufacturing industry, such as automotive manufacturing, food manufacturing, chemical manufacturing, textile manufacturing, electronics manufacturing, machinery manufacturing, and aerospace manufacturing.

  • Manufacturing Innovation: The implementation of processes, new ideas, and technologies to make products. It involves finding creative solutions to making products.

  • Manufacturing Optimization: To improve production processes to achieve a better result in the making of products. It may involve six sigma, lean, or value stream mapping.

  • Manufacturing Technology: It is the equipment, tools, and processes that are used to make products. It may involve machining, automation, and fabrication of parts to make the products.

What is Precision Machining?

What is Precision Machining?

A Technical Education Program’s Community Support

A Technical Education Program’s Community Support