Manufacturing is the process of changing materials into usable products at a location designed for that purpose. There are three major steps of manufacturing:

• Obtain Natural Resources: The first major step of the manufacturing process is to obtain natural resources. Natural resources include all the raw materials, such as plants, animals, and minerals, used to make products. Natural resources are obtained through a number of methods, including harvesting, drilling, and mining.
• Produce Industrial Materials: The second major step of the manufacturing process is to convert the raw materials into a form that can be used to manufacture a product. This form is called industrial materials, or standard stock. The conversion of raw materials into stock is called primary processing. Stock material is provided in many shapes and sizes, including rectangular, flat, round, and tubular.
• Make Finished Products: The third and final step of the manufacturing process is to convert the raw material into a finished product. This is called secondary processing, which can include many different types of operations, such as machining. Materials used in the secondary process of manufacturing cover a broad range. Each material has its own unique characteristics and properties.