I am pleased and proud to introduce this book.

It will fill a much-needed niche in

machining textbooks for under- and postgraduates, as well as for those in
engineering practice. Machining processes account for a large proportion of time
and effort in the production of engineered components. Parts of various sizes,
shapes, and, inexorably, of increasing accuracy and complexity are continuously
needed to meet the demands of a wide range of industries and users. Conventional
methods of mechanical machining to tackle these machining requirements were first
established many centuries ago. They have gradually evolved into more sophisticated
techniques as related areas of technology continue to emerge and new materials
continue to be developed for tools and as workpieces. With all these developments,
the selection of the right machining process for a particular application can be a
daunting task. It is the place of those who teach manufacturing in our universities
and colleges to provide a proper education for students on which to base sound
decisions on problems they later meet in practice. This book seeks to provide this
kind of instruction. The basic principles of machining techniques are explained in
four useful introductory chapters. The author then delves more deeply into the
subject by introducing the cutting of cylindrical and flat surfaces and the various
techniques that may be employed. High-speed machining occupies a strategic place in
many manufacturing companies; this topic is covered in a useful chapter that
describes its principles and advantages. Chapters 8 and 9 address basic abrasive
machining and finishing. The author follows this with a discussion of modern
�nontraditional� processes. This leads the reader to consider the other main
�nontraditional� processes of electrochemical machining (ECM) and electrodischarge
machining (EDM) in Chapters 11 and 12, after which the author presents a range of
combined hybrid machining methods in Chapter 13. Consideration is given to the
recent interest in micromachining in Chapter 14. Chapter 15 covers issues related
to machinability of engineering materials while Chapter 16 presents the main
factors affecting the selection of a machining process. I found the use of solved
problems and review questions used to test the knowledge and understanding of the
reader to be a constructive approach to reinforcing the material covered. Professor
Hassan El-Hofy began his research career collaborating with me on hybrid
unconventional machining while earning his PhD. It was an enriching experience for
both of us. Since that time, I have been pleased to see the many research papers of
international standing that have been produced by him.