Introduction to Materials Processing

This chapter defines the field of materials processing and the scope of the text overall. Materials processing is the series of steps that converts a starting material into a useful form with controlled structural features and properties. The importance of materials processing to the discipline of materials science and engineering is described. Three approaches to materials processing are introduced: forming processes (creating shapes using dies, molds, and forces), additive processes (creating shapes layer-by-layer using a computer file containing the details of the part shape), and subtractive processes (removing material from a block to leave behind the shape of interest). The book focuses on forming and additive processes. Examples of these approaches across metals, ceramics, and polymers are given.