Foreword

Metalworking is one of the oldest and the most important of manufacturing technologies. Emerging from prehistoric times and progressing thru rapid advances during the Industrial Revolution, when large-scale steelmaking and metalworking operations became widespread. The scientific understanding of metallurgy and metal working continued well into the 20th century, although in many instances the cost-effective manufacturing of parts still required the process of trial-and-error experimentation due to the complexities of materials, complex material mechanical, and thermal conditions of metalworking operations such as forging, rolling, and other thermo mechanical processing thermomechanical processes.

Today, with the competitive demands of a global economy, the technologies of metalworking operations are being transformed in several ways. First and foremost, computer-aided design and manufacturing systems are becoming indispensable tools in all facets of metalworking. Computer simulations not only reduce or preclude the need for trial-and-error engineering of tooling and process conditions, but computer-based modeling also provides a tool for process optimization. Any industry must continuously evaluate the costs of competitive materials and the operations necessary for converting each material into cost-effective finished products. Manufacturing economy with no sacrifice in quality is paramount, and modern statistical and computer-based process design and control techniques are more important than ever. This book serves as an invaluable introduction to this rapidly evolved technology, and also provides a strong foundation with regard to more standard, well-established metalworking operations, as covered in this volume and Volume 14 of the 9th Edition Metals Handbook series.

Volume 14A of the ASM Handbook series is the first of two volumes covering the distinct processes and industries of bulk working and sheet forming. It covers bulk forming methods (such as forging, extrusion, drawing, and rolling), where three-dimensional deformation produces a new shape with significant change in the cross-section or thickness of a material. In contrast, Volume 14B covers the technology of the stamping and sheet-forming industry, where flat product is shaped into a new form without a significant change in the cross-sectional thickness. These two general categories of metalworking methods are distinct, and a two-volume set also allows for more content in comparison to the Volume 14 of the 9th Edition Metals Handbook, which covered both bulk forming and sheet forming technologies in one volume.

A successful Handbook is the culmination of the time and efforts of many world renowned contributors. To those individuals listed in the next several pages, we extend our sincere thanks. The Society is especially indebted to Dr. S.L. Semiatin for his tireless efforts in organizing and editing this volume. Finally, we are grateful for the support and guidance provided by the ASM Handbook Committee and the skill of an experienced editorial staff. As a result of these combined efforts, the tradition of excellence associated with the ASM Handbook continues.