Selecting the candidate process and tuning a design to get the best out of a chosen manufacturing route is fundamental to achieving the required cost and quality objectives in the manufacture of any component design. The failure to make these difficult decisions often results in costly changes late in the manufacturing cycle. The difficulties faced at this late stage are frequently due to a lack of the necessary detailed knowledge and the absence of process selection methods.
In this unique text, the authors provide all the relevant technological and economic data on a range of important manufacturing processes. These Process Information Maps (PRIMAs) provide detailed data on the characteristics and capabilities of 48 processes in a standard format. Process tolerance capability charts for key material types are also given, and a method for estimating component costs, based on other design characteristics and manufacturing process routes, is outlined in the final chapter. The result is a comprehensive overview of each of the key considerations required when choosing the optimum manufacturing process, providing all those new to process selection with a definitive guide. For professional engineers, this book will become an invaluable source of reference throughout their career.