What Is the Difference Between Manufacturing and Fabrication?

Manufacturing and fabrication are related but not identical. Manufacturing turns raw materials and standard parts into finished goods through repeatable, automated stages. Fabrication creates the parts themselves through cutting, folding, machining and welding. In practice, sheet metal fabrication sits inside the wider manufacturing chain, delivering bespoke panels, brackets and frames for assembly.

How Manufacturing Differs

Manufacturing is about scope and scale. It coordinates design, sourcing, assembly, finishing and quality control to deliver the same product reliably. Efficiency, throughput and tolerances are planned. Typical outputs include appliances, vehicles and electronics made in high volumes with testing.

What Fabrication Involves

Fabrication shapes materials into components. Teams interpret drawings, select grades and combine laser cutting, press braking, welding and powder coating to meet tolerances. Batch sizes are flexible, and craftsmanship matters.

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Where Each Fits in Production

Think of a product as a system. Fabrication provides the metalwork that gives the system form, while manufacturing integrates those parts with plastics, electronics and finishes so the item works as intended. Clear drawings, realistic tolerances and communication keep both sides aligned.

For background on safe joining and heat processes, see this guidance on welding and fabrication.

Choose manufacturing when you need repeatable goods delivered to a fixed specification at scale. Choose sheet metal fabrication when you need custom parts, quick design iterations or tailored materials. Combining approaches helps teams move from concept to production smoothly, control costs and maintain quality from the first sample to the final shipment.