Manufacturing: Design, Science and Engineering of How Things are Made, Second Edition offers a comprehensive exploration of modern industrial production. Opening with a discussion on the importance of abstraction levels and the necessity of balancing trade-offs, the book challenges readers to analyze manufacturing processes from multiple perspectives. By examining what is theoretically possible under physical laws, what can be achieved with current industrial methods, and what is feasible for specific suppliers, the text equips engineers and designers with practical insights. This approach enables readers to optimize design choices and production strategies in real-world manufacturing settings.
Beyond its foundational framework, the book covers a wide range of manufacturing processes, including metal forging, extrusion, casting, plastic injection molding, thermoforming, additive manufacturing, joining, and recycling. It emphasizes the critical role of understanding supplier capabilities when seeking optimal production solutions. The material encourages readers to develop not only producible designs but also deeper partnerships with suppliers.