Final answer:
The correct answer is 'C) Tooling.' Tooling refers to the specialized equipment used in manufacturing to produce parts, which includes jigs, fixtures, dies, and molds, distinguishable from prototypes or templates. Option C is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Special fixtures, molds, dies, etc., that enable a manufacturer to produce parts are called tooling. These are not to be confused with prototypes, which are early models or releases of a product meant to test a concept or process; nor are they templates, which are patterns or guides used to achieve a certain shape or design in production.
Tooling is essential for shaping and fabricating parts in manufacturing processes and includes items specifically designed for creating a product, such as jigs, fixtures, dies, molds, and cutting equipment.
To further differentiate, prototypes may be created to represent what a finished product will look like and how it will function. These can be either physical models constructed from various materials or virtual simulations created using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software. Prototypes help in understanding the design and identifying any potential issues before mass production.