Interchangeable parts are identical components that can be used in place of one another, allowing for easier and faster assembly or repair of products. This innovation revolutionized manufacturing during the Market Revolution by increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
Related terms
Mass production: Mass production is a system where large quantities of standardized products are produced quickly and efficiently using assembly lines or other mechanized methods.
Cotton gin: The cotton gin was a machine invented by Eli Whitney that separated cotton fibers from their seeds, greatly increasing cotton production and creating a demand for interchangeable parts.
Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution refers to the period of rapid industrialization characterized by technological advancements, such as interchangeable parts, that transformed economies and societies in the 18th and 19th centuries.