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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 finish metal and nonmetal parts.
Machinists must have a sound understanding of basic and advanced machining
technology, which includes:
• Proficiency in safely operating machine tools of various types (manual, auto-
matic, and computer controlled).
• Knowledge of the working properties of metals and nonmetals.
• The academic skills (math, science, English, print reading, metallurgy, etc.)
needed to make precision layouts and machine set-ups.
Machining Fundamentals provides an introduction to this important area of
manufacturing technology. The text explains the “how, why, and when” of numer-
ous machining operations, set-ups, 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 specifications. It also covers newer processes such as
laser machining and welding, water-jet cutting, high-energy-rate forming (HERF),
cryogenics, chipless machining, electrical discharge machining (EDM), electro-
chemical 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.
This new edition of Machining Fundamentals has many features that make it
easy to read and understand. A numbering system for headings has been adopted
to make it easier to locate information in 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
book, technical terms are highlighted in bold italic type as they are introduced and
defined. Several hundred of these terms are also listed and defined in a Glossary of
Technical Terms at the end of this text. Review questions covering the content taught
are presented at the end of each chapter.
Color is employed extensively in this new edition to enhance understanding
and to emphasize safety precautions. A consistent color coding has been employed
in the hundreds of line illustrations (most made especially for the text) to help you
visualize more clearly the machining operations and procedures. Many of the black
and white photographs in the text have been replaced with new, full-color photos
showing the most current types of equipment and processes.
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.
John R. Walker