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PREFACE

Competition in manufacturing, no longer defined by national boundaries, is global in scope, with an increasing number of countries competing for a share of the world market. Manufacturers wishing to survive over the long term must strive to become world-class competitors. These firms should be replacing obsolete methods, processes, and systems with a structure based on the latest technology and best human resource utilization.

Quality products and customer satisfaction are the keys to successful competition in the world. World-class manufacturers are following specific guidelines to ensure that they will be in business in the future by:

1.Implementing new technological processes as quickly as possible.

2.Improving product quality, processes, and service.

3.Developing benchmarks and manufacturing strategies to reach their goal.

4.Responding quickly and with increased flexibility to market needs.

5.Involving and motivating employees toward a common goal.

Over the past forty years, computer-based technologies have made it possible to improve productivity, reduce manufacturing costs, and produce better quality goods. Manufacturers who have introduced computer-based technology into manufacturing operations were able to increase their productivity and in turn their market share. Unfortunately, companies who resisted the change to computer-based technology experienced reduced markets and many are now out of business.

Exploring Advanced Manufacturing Technologies is designed to introduce new technologies to the student, teacher, manufacturing engineer, supervisor, and management. Many new manufacturing technologies have been included in this resource to serve as a ready reference for those who do not have time for the necessary research. In order to make this an effective resource, each topic addresses the following points:

1.A brief description and where it is used.

2.The principle of, and how the technology works.

3.Where the technology can be used and what conventional process it may replace.

4.The requirements necessary to make it work and some possible pitfalls.

5.Advantages and disadvantages.

6.Successful application areas.

For those wishing to explore any topic to greater depth, please see the Acknowledgment section and the various Web sites mentioned throughout the text.