Book Preface

The use of computers continues to change how machine tools are used to manufacture products. Computers have improved until there are now highly sophisticated units capable of controlling the operation of a single machine, a group of machines, or even a complete manufacturing plant. Section 14, “Computer-Age Machining,” now includes not only computer numerical control machine tools, such as turning and machining centers, but also newer manufacturing technologies. To increase manufacturing productivity, machine tools have been equipped with modular tooling and work-holding systems, as well as new cutting tools to produce accurate parts faster and at competitive prices.

Today’s industries are putting more emphasis on using new manufacturing technologies and manufacturing intelligence systems to improve their productivity and remain competitive in the world. Section 14 gives an overview of 10 technologies or processes that are giving manufacturers an advantage over their competition. A few of these are Artificial Intelligence, Open Architecture CNC, Step NC, Virtual Reality, e-Manufacturing, Nanotechnology, and Cyber Management Systems. Through the use of CDs and videotapes, students can learn how the machine tool trade will be changing in the future.

This book is based on the authors’ many years of trade experience and experience as specialists in teaching. To keep up-to-date with technological change, the authors have researched the latest technical information available and have visited industries that are leaders in their field. Key personnel in manufacturing firms and leading educators reviewed many sections of this book, so that accurate and up-to-date information is presented. The authors are grateful to the reviewers for the technical and practical suggestions that were incorporated into the text.

The purposes of this text are to assist instructors in providing the basic training on conventional machine tools; to cover basic programming for CNC machines (such as turning and machining centers); and to introduce new manufacturing technologies and processes. To make this course interesting and challenging for students, videotapes can be used to cover new technologies. They are available on loan or for a small fee from technical societies, manufacturers, and publishers. The instructor’s manual includes sources of videotapes, along with answers to the review questions in the text. A student workbook is also available.