INTRODUCTION OF

UNCONVENTIONAL MACHINING
PROCESSES
 Introduction

Manufacturing activities often indicate a nations economic growth. It is

basically, a complex process of transforming raw inputs into useful
products.

Manufacturing covers very wide areas of inputs, processes and products. It

reaches out to the demands in production for thousands of different
varieties and types of goods. These demands range from large cargo
vessels to wall pins and from micro circuits to automobiles.

Making of integrated circuits, microelectronic devices, printed circuit

boards, Joining of different articles by welding, riveting or fastening
processes, Making different consumer articles, electrical devices,
automobiles, electronics air craft, ship building etcetera. Production of
cement, sugar, drugs etc... are some of the examples for manufacturing.
 Introduction
Accordingly, attempts were made to make weapons and a tools which
perhaps can be thought of as the beginning of manufacturing.

Slowly it got developed, when they try to give finer shapes to these and
they succeeded in manufacturing improved tools. However, the
manufacturing need kept increasing.

Making of potteries were attempted, thus with time the art of making
things or products. That is the technology of manufacturing started getting
advanced to cater to the needs of the people.

Manufacturing techniques are also getting advanced day by day and today
most of the products are manufactured using advanced technologies, which
tend to get older every five years.
 Introduction

The design and manufacturing of huge machineries, ships and spacecrafts

on one side, while nanotechnology on the other side of the dimension scale
, the new challenges are ahead for engineers and technologists.

With the technology advancement like development of newer materials,

energy, sources decision making and new techniques in management are
being developed. New challenges such as, environmental and other issues
put stringent requirements on technology.

Global competition, the trust and quality and demand for higher
productivity are some of the challenges before the present industrial and
manufacturing units.
 Introduction

Thus to survive and succeed further in this situation, the competitors have
a unique option, which is to understand the dynamic changes taking place
in the business environment.

Because manufacturing is a very broad activity encompassing many

functions, right from purchasing to quality control of the final product.

In view of the above a nation should develop and update its infrastructure
such that, the new and advance technology gets hand in hand with the
ongoing time.
 Introduction

During the years 1920 to 1940 developments in automation, mass

production, interchangeable parts, die casting and lost wax methods, for
parts required in the engineering took place.

While during the period of 1940 to 1960 developments in computer

manufacturing ceramic molds, nodular irons, semi conductors and
continuous castings dominated the manufacturing activities.

During the period 1960 to 1990, numerical control, computer numerical

control machines, group technology, robotics and control, computer aided
design and computer aided manufacturing bloomed up.
 Introduction
Manufacturing activities started during 5000 to 4000 BC itself. In this
period the manufacturing activities were mostly confined to wood works,
stone works, metal works and earth wares.

In the 2500 BC sculptures produced by lost wax casting, jewelries, earthen

wares, glass beads etcetera where recorded. During the 600 to 800 AD
evidences of steel production has been recorded.

However, if we look at the developments in manufacturing in ancient India,

evidences of manufacturing are available, since the year 3000 BC. The
earliest castings of that age include the 11 centimeter high bronze dancing
girl found at Mohen jo daro.

And in the recent years, particularly since the year 1990 till date, hybrid
manufacturing processes, micro manufacturing processes, nano
manufacturing, lean manufacturing, agile manufacturing etc...