Handbook of Machine Tools

Student design engineers often require a "cookbook" approach to solving certain problems in mechanical engineering.

The Handbook is ideal for a machinist, mechanical engineer or anyone else who makes a living in metalworking. It concisely spans the field. Straightforwardly written. Many topics are explained. From common sheet metal practices to the latest machine tools. Technology also figures prominently elsewhere in the book. There is a chapter on computer aided design and manufacturing. It explains the essence of software packages in this arena. With tables of CAD providers, and vendors who offer extensive component libraries. While you could certainly use a CAD package to design your own custom parts, it may be more cost effective to see if an existing library has what you need. Another chapter covers solid freeform production. Using methods like electron beam melting or selective laser sintering. Or 3D printing, where a solid part is catalysed out of a special liquid. All this might sound exotic to some of you. But it's worthwhile to keep informed of such techniques.

This combination of handbook and multimedia CD-ROM offers the most up-to-date view of today's and tomorrow's world of manufacturing technologies. It was written by leading experts from the USA, Europe, and Asia and spans a wide range of topics: from industrial management and organization to automation and control, from mechanical to electronical technology, and from machine tools to the consumer goods industry.