This article discusses the functions of the major components of a waterjet machining system. These include hydraulic unit, intensifier, accumulator, filters, water transmission lines, on/off valve, waterjet nozzles, abrasive waterjet nozzle, waterjet catchers, and fluid additives. The article reviews several variables that influence the WJM process, such as pressure, flow and nozzle diameter, stand-off distance, traverse rate, and type and size of abrasive. Advantages and disadvantages of waterjet and abrasive waterjet cutting are also discussed. The article describes the applications of waterjet and abrasive waterjet machining.

Stretch forming is the forming of sheet, bars, and rolled or extruded sections over a die or form block of the required shape while the workpiece is held in tension. This article discusses the applicability, advantages, and machines and accessories of stretch forming. It provides a detailed discussion on four methods of stretch forming, namely, stretch draw forming, stretch wrapping, compression forming, and radial draw forming.

This article focuses on the three basic groups of flexible-die forming methods: rubber pad, fluid cell, and fluid forming. It provides information on the Guerin process, the Verson-Wheelon process, the trapped-rubber process, the Marform process, the Hydroform process, the SAAB process, and the Demarest process. The article provides a discussion on the procedures of these processes, as well as the presses and tools used. It describes the methods of hydraulic forming of thin metal parts, namely, hydraulic forming with diaphragm, hydraulic forming with gasket and pressure control, and hydrobuckling.

A fixture is a special workholding and supporting device designed and built for a particular part or shape that can be made by using standardized components, such as drill bushings, locating buttons, and clamping devices. This article provides a discussion on optimum fixture design and describes the clamping methods, namely, manual clamping, pneumatic clamping, and hydraulic clamping, and their specific principles. It presents an overview on modular fixturing for limited production. The article concludes with information on cost factors in fixturing.

This article describes the various types of press construction and the factors that influence the selection of mechanically or hydraulically powered machines for producing parts from sheet metal. Presses are broadly classified, according to the type of frame used in their construction, into two main groups: gap-frame presses and straight-side presses. The article describes the various components of mechanical presses and hydraulic presses. It discusses important factors, such as the size, force, energy, and speed requirements, that influence the selection of a press. The article describes the roles of automatic handling equipment that can be categorized as feeding equipment, unloading equipment, and transfer equipment. It concludes with information on the common types of high-production presses, such as dieing machines, multiple-slide machines, transfer presses, fine blanking presses, and flexible-die forming presses.

This article provides information on radial friction welding, which adopts the principle of rotating and compressing a solid ring around two stationary pipe. The process evolution of this welding is illustrated. The article also examines the equipment used and operating steps. It also illustrates a prototype of radial friction-welding machine and concludes with a discussion on applications that would be suitable for radial friction welding.

Flash welding (FW) is a resistance welding process in which a butt joint weld is produced by a flashing action and by the application of pressure. Flash welding is used to join metallic parts that have similar cross sections in terms of size and shape. This article discusses flash-welding applications, including chain links, transmission bands, automotive flywheel ring gears, aircraft landing gear, band-saw blades, and crankshaft counter weights. It describes the components of a typical flash-welding machine. The article provides information on the electrical controls of flash-welding equipment. These include programmable controllers, welding current controllers, and either motor or servo-valve controllers.

Press brakes are a common and versatile type of equipment for bending metal by delivering an accurate vertical force in a confined longitudinal area. This article begins with a discussion on the design, widening methods, and types of materials used in press brakes. It focuses on the two basic drive systems used in operating press brakes, namely, mechanical and hydraulic drive systems. The article also provides an outline on the tooling associated with press-brakes.

Hammers and high-energy-rate forging machines are classified as energy-restricted machines as they deform the workpiece by the kinetic energy of the hammer ram. This article provides information on gravity-drop hammers, power-drop hammers, die forger hammers, counterblow hammers, and computer-controlled hammers. It describes the three basic designs of high-energy-rate forging (HERF) machines: the ram and inner frame, two-ram, and controlled energy flow. The article reviews forging mechanical presses, hydraulic presses, drive presses, screw presses, and multiple-ram presses.