2.5 The unit event classification of manufacturing processes

The above has shown how the unit event and hence the manufacturing process can be classified according to the energy level input and the surface texture created. The former will determine, as a first order approximation, the sub-surface features and the latter the three-dimensional surface topography. These two aspects define the surface integrity.

The table in Figure 2.24 gives a list of the major manufacturing processes and their classification with respect to energy input and texture. Such a table enables the reader to guesstimate the surface integrity that will result from a manufacturing process. This information, together with other selection criteria such as cost, time, space, production rate etc, will enable an engineer to select the most appropriate manufacturing process for a particular purpose.