Advanced Noncontact Cutting and Joining Technologies

Book excerpt: This book illuminates advanced cutting and joining processes, what they are used for, and the capabilities of these manufacturing techniques, especially in micro- and nano-fabrication. The authors illustrate the use of water jets and lasers that can be used to cut highly complex shapes without leaving burrs of heat affected zones, as well as friction stir welding processes that were not possible in the past. Rounding out their examination, the authors describe in detail the use of additive manufacturing for fabrication of micro and nano-scale components and the direction of future research. Incorporating many examples from industry, the book is ideal for professional engineers, technicians, and fabrication managers in multiple industries. Maximizes understanding of advanced manufacturing processes and their capabilities, as well as the limitations of each of these technologies; Explains use of contactless manufacturing processes in applications such as electronics and sensor fabrication; Serves as a ready reference on the latest cutting and joining technologies, including those at the micro- and nano-scale.