ABSTRACT
Manufacturing processes are selected with certain product attributes in mind: size, form (shape complexity), surface nish, strength, dimensional tolerances, cost, and the number of pieces to be made. Surface condition affects appearance, the ability to assemble the part to other components, and, in some cases, protection against corrosion. Dimensional accuracy can affect performance and interchangeability of components. Shape complexity and size often determine whether a manufacturing process is the most suitable one to manufacture a part. Production run (or production rate) will govern whether a process is the most economical one to manufacture the desired quantity of parts. Cost is affected by all of the preceding attributes.
