
10
Forming processes with
metals
10.1 The main processes
The range of forming processes can be divided broadly into four categories:
1 Casting, shaping a material by pouring the liquid material into a mould.
2 Manipulative processes, shaping a material by plastic deformation pro-
cesses.
3 Powder techniques, producing a shape by compacting a powder.
4 Cutting and grinding, producing a shape by metal removal.
The choice of forming process will depend on a number of factors:
1 The quantity of items required.
2 The dimensional accuracy required.
3 The surface finish required.
4 The size of the items, both overall size and section thicknesses.