ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the capabilities of the various manufacturing processes and their compatibility with the different engineering materials. For example, castings can be complex with internal cavities and cast materials are isotropic, while forgings need to be simpler but have wrought structures that are usually stronger and more ductile than cast products. Powder Metallurgy techniques can produce large numbers of small parts that require little or no further machining. Larger products can be made by joining smaller stock material using welding or adhesive bonding, but the joints need special attention in design and inspection. Machining operations are versatile and are used for manufacturing parts such as shafts and bolts in addition to finishing castings and forgings. Compression, transfer, and injection molding processes are commonly used for molding plastic parts. Additive manufacturing (AM) is increasingly used in various industries in view of the flexibility it affords in designing structures and shapes that are not possible with the traditional manufacturing processes. Automation reduces labor cost and improves productivity while Computer Integrated Manufacturing encompasses all aspects of operation of a company.
