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Introduction
Machinists are highly skilled men and women. They use drawings, hand tools,
precision measuring tools, drilling machines, grinders, lathes, milling machines, and other
specialized machine tools to shape and fi nish metal and nonmetal parts. Machinists must
have a sound understanding of basic and advanced machining technology, which includes:
• Profi ciency in safely operating machine tools of various types (manual, automatic,
and computer controlled).
• Knowledge of the working properties of metals and nonmetals.
• The academic skills (such as math, science, English, print reading, and metallurgy)
needed to make precision layouts and machine setups.
Machining Fundamentals provides an introduction to these important areas of
manufacturing technology. The text explains the “how, why, and when” of numerous
machining operations, setups, and procedures. Through it, you will learn how machine
tools operate and when to use one particular machine instead of another. The advantages
and disadvantages of various machining techniques are discussed, along with their
suitability for particular applications.
Machining Fundamentals details the many common methods of machining and shaping
parts to meet given specifi cations. It also covers more advanced processes, such as laser
machining and welding, water-jet cutting, high-energy-rate forming (HERF), cryogenics,
chipless machining, electrical discharge machining (EDM), electrochemical machining
(ECM), robotics, and rapid prototyping. The importance of computer numerical control
(CNC) in the operation of most machine tools and its role in automated manufacturing is
explored thoroughly.
Machining Fundamentals has many features that make it easy to read and understand.
The heads in each chapter are numbered to make it easier to locate specifi c information
within a chapter. Learning objectives are presented at the beginning of each chapter, along
with a list of selected technical terms important to understanding the material in that
chapter. Throughout the text, technical terms are highlighted in bold italic type as they are
introduced and defi ned. These terms are also listed and defi ned in a Glossary of Technical
Terms at the end of this text. Review questions that reinforce key learning objectives are
presented at the end of each chapter.
Machining Fundamentals is a valuable guide to anyone interested in machining, since
the procedures and techniques presented have been drawn from all areas of machining
technology.