consider automation, and the types of automation
found in manufacturing. We have learned that when
looking at costs in manufacturing, many firms are
quick to concentrate on cutting back on personnel
when things need to be tightened up. Too often,
managers view automation as the next step in cost
cutting. This is not always the best approach.
Now we need to think about the product and
make good choices about selecting the right material
for the job at hand. There are thousands of materials
that may be studied, and new materials are created
every day. Section 3, Selecting Appropriate Materials,
contains chapters on the behavior and characteristics
of the major types of industrial materials: metal,
plastic, wood, ceramic, and composite materials.
Selecting the most appropriate process is based
on the material, what will be done with it, the life
cycle of the product, and the impact of the material on
the environment. Section 4, Manufacturing Process
Database, provides chapters on forming, separation,
fabrication, conditioning, and finishing processes
used with each of the major manufacturing materials.
We have tried to make things easier to understand
by grouping manufacturing processes according to
the types of process action that occurs.
The North American Industry Classification
Index (NAICS) is the government body that orga-
nizes and classifies industry in the U.S. NAICS healthy
identifies hundreds of different types of manufac-
turing industries, and each of these uses many
hundreds of different processes. There is a lot to cover.
In Manufacturing Processes, we reduce all of this to the
most important processes used by twenty major
industries producing industrial products from metal,
ceramic, plastic, wood, and composite materials.
Some of these processes are used with multiple mate-
rials others can be used efficiently with only one.
When the product is completed, it needs to be
shipped out to the buyer or distributor. Section 5, Packing
Products for Distribution, provides information on
the major types of packaging used in manufacturing
today.
Manufacturing is truly the driving force behind
any industrialized nation, having a direct relation-
ship to the quality of life and standard of living of
the nation’s people. However, keeping businesses
running and competitive is not an easy job. Global
competition is greater than ever before. It is our hope
that this book will be viewed as a type of “survivor’s
guide” that will keep the reader interested in con-
tinued exploration and discovery. What lies ahead is
an exciting world where there is more to learn and
change. Continuous improvement is a way of life for
a manufacturing workforce that wants to advance
their company and themselves into a productive and
future.
Introduction 5
found in manufacturing. We have learned that when
looking at costs in manufacturing, many firms are
quick to concentrate on cutting back on personnel
when things need to be tightened up. Too often,
managers view automation as the next step in cost
cutting. This is not always the best approach.
Now we need to think about the product and
make good choices about selecting the right material
for the job at hand. There are thousands of materials
that may be studied, and new materials are created
every day. Section 3, Selecting Appropriate Materials,
contains chapters on the behavior and characteristics
of the major types of industrial materials: metal,
plastic, wood, ceramic, and composite materials.
Selecting the most appropriate process is based
on the material, what will be done with it, the life
cycle of the product, and the impact of the material on
the environment. Section 4, Manufacturing Process
Database, provides chapters on forming, separation,
fabrication, conditioning, and finishing processes
used with each of the major manufacturing materials.
We have tried to make things easier to understand
by grouping manufacturing processes according to
the types of process action that occurs.
The North American Industry Classification
Index (NAICS) is the government body that orga-
nizes and classifies industry in the U.S. NAICS healthy
identifies hundreds of different types of manufac-
turing industries, and each of these uses many
hundreds of different processes. There is a lot to cover.
In Manufacturing Processes, we reduce all of this to the
most important processes used by twenty major
industries producing industrial products from metal,
ceramic, plastic, wood, and composite materials.
Some of these processes are used with multiple mate-
rials others can be used efficiently with only one.
When the product is completed, it needs to be
shipped out to the buyer or distributor. Section 5, Packing
Products for Distribution, provides information on
the major types of packaging used in manufacturing
today.
Manufacturing is truly the driving force behind
any industrialized nation, having a direct relation-
ship to the quality of life and standard of living of
the nation’s people. However, keeping businesses
running and competitive is not an easy job. Global
competition is greater than ever before. It is our hope
that this book will be viewed as a type of “survivor’s
guide” that will keep the reader interested in con-
tinued exploration and discovery. What lies ahead is
an exciting world where there is more to learn and
change. Continuous improvement is a way of life for
a manufacturing workforce that wants to advance
their company and themselves into a productive and
future.
Introduction 5