What is secondary processing in manufacturing?

Secondary processing in manufacturing refers to the stage where raw materials, after undergoing initial shaping, are transformed into final products that can be used or sold. This phase involves various techniques such as machining, assembly, fabrication, or finishing processes that enhance the material's usability or aesthetic qualities.

The reason this process is crucial is that it elevates basic materials—like metals, plastics, or textiles—into products with specific functionality and value, making them applicable for consumer use or further industrial applications. This is distinct from initial shaping, which primarily focuses on forming the material into a rough prototype or shape, not necessarily a finished product. Quality control is about ensuring that the products meet specified standards, while financial planning deals with budgeting and resource allocation for manufacturing projects. Therefore, secondary processing is key to creating products that fulfill market demands from raw materials.