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What is the difference between prefab, modular and DfMA?

Prefab describes off-site-made components; modular usually refers to repeatable modules; DfMA is the design method that optimises manufacture and assembly.

What is the difference between prefab, modular and DfMA?
ANSWER FIRST

The short answer.

Prefabrication means making parts away from the final site. Modular construction organises a building or system into repeatable modules, which may be volumetric or component-based. Design for Manufacture and Assembly goes further: it changes the design itself so components, interfaces, logistics and installation are deliberately engineered for efficient production and assembly.

Why the distinction matters

A project can use prefabricated parts without being well designed for assembly, and it can use DfMA without relying on complete volumetric modules.

FlexiBuild is DfMA-led

The marketplace is a set of configurable product platforms, but the project workflow still validates the site, interfaces and engineering before delivery.

COMMON QUESTIONS

What people usually ask next.

Is a shipping container building the same as modular construction?

No. Containers are one possible module type, while modular construction includes many purpose-designed structural and building systems.

RELEVANT FLEXIBUILD SYSTEMS

Products and services connected to this problem.

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FlexiFrame - Building Systems & ComponentsFB-017
BUILDING SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS

FlexiFrame

Prefabricated structural frame package coordinated to the building geometry.

engineered frame packageEngineer to quote
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FlexiPanel - Building Systems & ComponentsFB-018
BUILDING SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS

FlexiPanel

Wall, roof or floor panel family for modular construction, shown as a panel assembly.

m² of specified panelEngineer to quote
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FlexiModule - Building Systems & ComponentsFB-019
BUILDING SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS

FlexiModule

Volumetric building module with a configurable interior and defined service interfaces.

moduleEngineer to quote
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FlexiPod - Building Systems & ComponentsFB-020
BUILDING SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS

FlexiPod

Factory-finished room/service pod, illustrated as a bathroom-equipped pod.

podEngineer to quote
Request a quotationView →
FlexiWetCore - Building Systems & ComponentsFB-021
BUILDING SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS

FlexiWetCore

Bathroom and plumbing core containing sanitary fittings and coordinated wet-service connections.

wet coreEngineer to quote
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FlexiMEP - Building Systems & ComponentsFB-022
BUILDING SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS

FlexiMEP

Preassembled mechanical, electrical and plumbing service rack or module.

service moduleEngineer to quote
Request a quotationView →
FlexiConnect - Building Systems & ComponentsFB-023
BUILDING SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS

FlexiConnect

Engineered structural connection system for modular assembly.

connection type / batchEngineer to quote
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