The 7 Types of Manufacturing Processes Explained

1. Casting

Molten material — usually metal — is poured into a mold and left to solidify into a specific shape.

• Used for complex shapes that are difficult to machine

• Common in automotive and heavy equipment parts

• Less common in signage but relevant for decorative metal elements

2. Metal Fabrication

Metal fabrication is the process of cutting, bending, welding, and assembling metal to build structures and components from raw sheet metal or profiles.

• Covers laser cutting, CNC routing, welding, and powder coating

• Used across signage, construction, furniture, and industrial equipment

• In a commercial context, metal fabrication produces everything from channel letter frames to structural display stands

• It is one of the most versatile manufacturing processes because it works across both functional and aesthetic applications

If you need a durable, custom-built product at scale — metal fabrication is almost always part of the answer.

3. Machining

Material is removed from a solid block to achieve a precise shape or finish.

• Involves drilling, milling, turning, and grinding

• High precision, lower volume

• Often used to produce components that feed into larger metal fabrication assemblies

4. Joining

Parts made through other processes are assembled together — through welding, bolting, riveting, or adhesive bonding.

• A critical step in metal fabrication workflows

• In retail fabrication, joining is how modular display systems, kiosks, and shop fittings come together as finished units

5. Forming

Metal or other materials are shaped through applied force — pressing, rolling, bending, or stamping — without removing material.

• Sheet metal bending in metal fabrication is a forming process

• Used to produce enclosures, brackets, frames, and panels

6. Retail Fabrication

Retail fabrication is the manufacturing process focused on producing display systems, shop fittings, kiosks, signage structures, and point-of-sale units for commercial and retail environments.

• Combines metal fabrication, woodworking, acrylic work, and finishing into one deliverable

• The end goal is a product that serves a visual and functional purpose inside a retail or commercial space

• Retail fabrication projects include mall kiosks, branded counters, exhibition stands, and in-store display units

• It requires precision because products must align with brand specifications, space constraints, and safety standards

Retail fabrication sits at the intersection of manufacturing and design — it's not just about building something, it's about building something that works inside a commercial space.

7. Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)

Material is added layer by layer to build a product — the opposite of machining.

• Used for prototypes, custom parts, and low-volume production

• Increasingly used alongside metal fabrication for hybrid manufacturing workflows

• Not yet dominant in large-scale retail fabrication but growing in custom component production

How These Processes Connect in Real Projects

Most commercial projects don't use just one process. A typical retail fabrication project might involve:

• Forming to bend the sheet metal frame

• Metal fabrication to cut, weld, and assemble the structure

• Joining to attach acrylic panels and lighting components

• Machining for precise bracket or fastener components

• Surface finishing before the final unit is delivered

Understanding this helps you ask better questions when briefing a fabrication company — and helps you evaluate whether a supplier has the full capability or is outsourcing parts of the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between metal fabrication and retail fabrication?

Metal fabrication is the process of building structures from raw metal through cutting, bending, and welding. Retail fabrication uses metal fabrication as one of its core processes but combines it with other materials and techniques to produce finished commercial display units, kiosks, and shop fittings.

Which manufacturing process is most common in signage production?

Metal fabrication is the most common process in signage production. It is used to build letter frames, lightbox structures, pylon bases, and fabricated sign cabinets.

Is retail fabrication a manufacturing process?

Yes. Retail fabrication is a specialized manufacturing process that produces commercial display and retail environment products. It combines multiple processes, including metal fabrication, forming, and joining, to deliver a finished, brand-ready product.

What materials are used in metal fabrication?

The most common materials are mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and galvanized steel. Material choice depends on the application, environment, and finish required.

How long does a retail fabrication project take?

Timelines vary by complexity. A standard retail kiosk or display unit typically takes 2 to 6 weeks from design approval to delivery, depending on the fabrication processes involved and finishing requirements.