Limited run manufacturing

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Limited run manufacturing in contrast to "mass manufacturing" connotes means of manufacturing that are used to make a rather small number of units of a manufactured article. The manufacturing techniques used for limited run manufacturing are often different from those used for mass manufacturing. For example when millions of identical plastic components are needed an injection molding tool might first be manufactured and then used to mold millions of articles. When only 200 articles are needed the investment in creation of the injection molding tool is not justified because the cost of the tool cannot be amortized across the millions of articles so the manufacturing technique might be to machine each of the 200 articles with an automated tool, such as might be used in rapid manufacturing.

Limited run manufacturing is an increasingly important part of the manufacturing enterprise as more and more customized products are in demand in a competitive marketplace.