Ever been shopping in a store, gazing at the various products lining the shelves, and wondered, “How are all of these made?”
Well, that’s manufacturing in a nutshell. From many of our foods to all our plastic toys, nearly everything we buy is manufactured. The cars you drive—and the bridges you drive over—exist because of manufacturers. If you’re interested in a hands-on and high-tech career, look no further than manufacturing and machining.
To the untrained eye, manufacturing and machining appear to be quite similar. After all, both involve working with raw materials and modern technology to make brand-new products. In reality, though, the differences between these fields are a lot deeper than you might think.
If you’re still curious, read on. We’ll break down the difference between manufacturing vs. machining, unpacking their scope, their focus, as well as the training needed to enter either profession. With this information, we will help you discover which career you might want to pursue in the future.
What is manufacturing?
Manufacturing is a broad industry that’s focused on the creation of goods. In brief, manufacturing involves transforming raw materials into products through the use of labor, machines, technology, and tools.
Manufacturing is the backbone of our economy. The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) states that for every dollar spent in manufacturing, an estimated $2.64 is added to the overall U.S. economy. It’s an invaluable contributor and essential to our everyday lives. Almost everything you interact with and purchase was manufactured in some way. And you can break into the field fairly easily, with just some education and training under your belt.
Airplanes, smartphones, furniture, medical devices, food packaging, clothing, electronics—all are manufactured products. Manufacturing dips its toes into almost every industry, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, demand is increasing for skilled manufacturing workers.
Types of manufacturing
Within manufacturing, there are several different approaches depending on the product and production goals:
- Mass Production: Soda bottles, smartphones, car parts, and beyond are made through assembly lines and automation on a large scale.
- Custom Manufacturing: Tailored to small batches or one-of-a-kind products, this approach is more flexible and specialized, offering a unique solution for each client. Where customization is key, such as in medical devices or prototype design, this type is prevalent.
- Lean Manufacturing: Minimizing waste and maximizing value, always. Lean manufacturing uses only what’s necessary and nixes anything else from start to finish. This is a practice that can, and probably will eventually, apply to all types of manufacturing.
To shorten it even more, manufacturing is an umbrella term. Under that umbrella sit several specialties. This leads us to the precision-defined process of machining.
What is machining?
Compared to the wide scope of manufacturing, machining is more specific and specialized. Machining is a subset of manufacturing that involves shaping materials by removing unnecessary parts to create whatever product is needed. This removal process is called “precision machining.”
Workers can manually remove unnecessary materials with tools like mills and grinders. More commonly nowadays, this is done through automated systems like CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines. CNC machining has become the industry standard due to its ability to make complex designs consistently.
Machinists create precise parts that go into larger projects, like engine parts and aircraft components. It’s a narrower slice of the manufacturing pie, but it requires incredible skill and a lot of training.
So, when comparing manufacturing vs. machining, think of machining as a very precise type of crafting that sits inside the bigger process of manufacturing.
Learn more about Manufacturing through Goodwin.
The big differences in manufacturing vs. machining
Now that we’ve defined each field at a high level, let’s look at the key differences between manufacturing vs. machining:
Scope
- Manufacturing involves the entire production process, from initial design and material sourcing to final assembly and packaging.
- Machining is much more focused, specifically dealing with shaping parts through material removal. It is also a subsection of manufacturing.
Tools and techniques
- Manufacturing uses a wide variety of processes in conjunction with each other. This includes robotics, automation, chemical treatments, and assembly lines.
- Machining relies on precision tools like CNC machines, lathes, mills, and grinders to shape materials to exactly what a product would need.
Career focus
- Manufacturing professionals can work in operations, logistics, quality control, and production management.
- Machinists work hands-on with equipment, interpreting blueprints, and fabricating parts with incredible precision.
Education and training
- Manufacturing programs often include coursework in operations management, leadership, systems thinking, and engineering basics.
- Machining programs are typically more technical, with a strong emphasis on blueprint reading and CNC programming.
Understanding these differences can help you make a more informed decision as you explore careers in manufacturing vs. machining. Both are fascinating fields, so you can’t go wrong with either.
Careers in manufacturing vs. machining
So, with all this information, where exactly can these skillsets take you? One of the most exciting parts about the manufacturing and machining fields is the number of opportunities available within them.
Manufacturing careers
- Production supervisor: Oversees teams and ensures manufacturing runs smoothly.
- Quality assurance inspector: Checks products and processes to meet industry standards.
- Manufacturing engineer: Designs systems and workflows to improve efficiency.
- Supply chain specialist: Manages materials, inventories, and product flow.
Machining careers
- CNC machinist: Programs and operates CNC machines to produce precision parts.
- Tool and die maker: Crafts custom tools, molds, and dies used in manufacturing.
- Precision metalworker: Shapes and finishes metal components to tight tolerances
- CNC programmer: Designs and writes the code that guides CNC machines.
Both fields offer strong job security, as skilled trades are in high demand and new skills are needed to fill positions of retired workers. Whether you’re drawn to the broad strategy of manufacturing or the hands-on mastery of machining, there’s a future waiting for you.
The best part of all this? Both of these fields are full of growth opportunities. Machinists can move into CNC programming, engineering, or even open their own shops. Manufacturing professionals can lead production teams, design new workflows, or climb the ranks into corporate leadership.
Ready to make your manufacturing mark?
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in either field, Goodwin University is the perfect place to get started.
Built around real-world skills, our manufacturing and machining programs are taught in state-of-the-art labs with industry-standard equipment. From CNC machining to lean manufacturing principles, you will get hands-on experience that prepares you for the workforce from day one.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to specialize, Goodwin’s programs make it easy to explore the world of manufacturing vs. machining and find your path.