Hot drop-forged scissors are cutting units that are constructed from metal that has undergone a specific process to construct each component of the scissors mechanism. Many different types of scissors are made using this method, with models ranging from simple home scissors to large industri

Machinists are trained professionals that have been certified in the operation of specific types of machine tools. Generally, this certification involves working with metal to produce a wide variety of tools, metal implements such as engine parts, building materials and sculpting and shaping

Prepress is a term used in the printing industry to describe the process a document must go through before it can be printed. Although its usually used in connection with making the plates used in a printing press, prepress can also refer to the process of making a document ready for print i

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a machining method primarily used for hard metals or those that would be impossible to machine with traditional techniques. One critical limitation, however, is that it only works with materials that are electrically conductive. This method

Near-sourcing is a term used to describe a business strategically placing some of all of its operations close to where its end-products are sold. Typically, the term is contrasted with and used to highlight the reversal of the trend to outsource low-wage manufacturing operations to developin

Chip formation typically occurs where a machine tool touches the edge of the material being cut. This is part of the Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machining process, which usually occurs with milling, grinding, honing, and turning systems in manufacturing. In these techniques, chip f

Bullet swaging is a cold manufacturing process for bullets that relies on extreme pressure to form the metal. Rather than melting metal and pouring it into molds, the manufacturer presses room temperature materials into a die. Punches can exert tremendous pressure to force the metal to confo

Process control is widely used in factories and other automated environments to keep systems running efficiently. In general, process control technology is intended to monitor sensors and adjust important variables according to the readings. This technology allows complex operations to be ma

A forge is a type of hearth used to contain fire and coals to heat metal. This metal is then shaped by a blacksmith into usable products. The specific layout and function of a forge can vary significantly, and the fuel source for the fire will have an effect on the systems usefulness for the

Superplastic forming is a specialized metalworking process that allows sheets of metal alloys such as aluminum to be stretched to lengths over ten times that of conventional alloys without degrading the material properties of the metal. The process allows for the manufacture of complex metal

Also known as photo-chemical milling, photoengraving is an engraving technique that makes use of strategies commonly associated with the processing of photographic images. The purpose of photoengraving is to aid in the process of reproducing images for mass distribution. As part of the proce

Custom manufacturing is the process of making products or product lines based on each customers unique set of specifications. Each product or line may vary by material, design, finish, or a host of other options. Custom manufacturing is the antithesis of traditional mass production, in which

Process printing is a printing technique widely used around the world. The name is actually a shortening of the four color printing process, a reference to the way in which images are prepared for the press. Process printing was developed in the early twentieth century along with offset prin

Factories looking to maximize efficiency and keep costs low may choose a near net shape manufacturing strategy. Under a near net shape plan, the manufacturer aims to produce components that are as close to their finished state as possible. For example, a company that produces solid metal fas

Build to stock is a production system by which stock is produced to a fixed schedule, rather than in response to demand. In some cases, build to stock can literally mean producing enough units to fully stock warehouse capacity. In other cases, it can simply mean building a fixed number based

Direct manufacturing (DM) — also known as additive or rapid manufacturing — is a process that creates a solid, three-dimensional (3D) object from liquid or powder. This may be accomplished by striking the substance with a laser or other form of beam, such as an electron beam, or directing it

Quality Control (QC) measures vary widely by industry, and the concerns or standards of those industries. For example, in food processing and water management, quality control checks may include tests for contaminants, annual inspections, and certifications. In manufacturing, quality control

MRP and MPS are industrial terms that stand for material requirement planning and master production schedule, and there are several key differences between them. MRP is used to determine how many materials to order, while MPS is used to determine when materials will be used to produce an end

A tunnel kiln is a type of continuous kiln that is typically open on both ends and heated centrally. Materials, such as bricks, may be passed through the device in an uninterrupted fashion, allowing large volumes to be processed without shutting off the kiln between batches. The simplest tun

Dry grinding is the process where the particle size of a substance is reduced without liquid. This process is a common early step in several raw material processing fields and in the production of ethanol. In many cases, dry grinding is a very simple process, often only requiring a few steps