Chapter 20, Problem 1RQ

Why are the fabrication processes applied to plastics, ceramics, and composites often different from those applied to metals? What are some of the key differences?

To determine

The reason for difference in fabrication process of metal to plastics, ceramics, and composites.

Explanation of Solution

The fabrication processes that are applied to plastic, ceramics, and composited are quite different from the processes applied to metals because they had different structures and material properties compared to metals. Generally, the fabrication of these materials takes place at low temperatures compared to the fabrication of metal. Also, less time and money is required to fabricate those materials. In all, the strength of fabrication may be more than the strength of base material.

The key differences are that raw material can be turned into a finished product in only one process, large and complex shapes are formed as a single unit, joining, and fastening operations are very different, and color surface finish and precision can be obtained directly. They were making surface finishing unnecessary for many plastics, ceramics, and composites.