Manufacturing a product is not difficult, the difficulty consists in manufacturing a product of high quality, at a low cost and rapidly. Drastic technological advances are changing global markets very rapidly. In such conditions the ability to compete successfully must be based on innovative ideas and new products which has to be of high quality yet low in price. One way to achieve these objecti ves would be through massive investments in research of computer based technology and by applying the approaches presented in this book. The First International Conference on Advanced Manufacturing Systems and Technology AMST87 was held in Opatija (Croatia) in October 1987. The Second International Conference on Advanced Manufacturing Systems and Technology AMSV90 was held in Trento (Italy) in lune 1990. The Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Conferences on Advanced Manufacturing Systems and Technology were all held in Udine (Italy) as follows: AMST93 in April 1993, AMST96 in September 1996, AMST99 in June 1999 and AMST02 in June 2002.

This book, based on the Fourth International Conference on Advanced Manufacturing Systems and Technology - AMST '96 aims at presenting trend and up-to-date information on the latest developments - research results and industrial experience in the field of machining processes, optimization and process planning, forming, flexible machining systems, non conventional machining, robotics and control, measuring and quality, thus providing an international forum for a beneficial exchange of ideas, and furthering a favourable cooperation between research and industry.

The work contains the results of the Sixth International Conference on Advanced Manufacturing Systems and Technology – AMST’02, which was held in Udine in June 2002. It presents up-to-date information on the latest developments – research results and experience – in the field of machining of conventional and advanced materials, machine tools and flexible manufacturing systems, forming, nonconventional processes, robotics, measurement and control, quality, design and ecodesign, rapid prototyping, rapid tooling and manufacturing, materials and mechanics.

The Fifth International Conference on Advanced Manufacturing Systems and Technology – AMST ’99 – aims at presenting up-to-date information on the latest developments research results and industrial experience in the field of machining of conventional and advanced materials, high speed machining, forming, modeling, nonconventional machining processes, new tool materials and tool systems, rapid prototyping, life cycle of products and quality assurance, thus providing an international forum for a beneficial exchange of ideas, and furthering a favourable cooperation between research and industry.

The race to take full advantage of technological breakthroughs in computer science and communications has forced major changes in the role of people in companies that employ, or wish to implement, advanced manufacturing systems (AMS). Ironically, as industry has become more dependent on advanced technology, human factors have become ever more critical to the success of any business venture. The implementation of new technologies requires fundamental changes in a company's mode of planning; plant organization; job design; compensation and raise policy; personnel selection, training, and education; and labor management relations. Organization and Management of Advanced Manufacturing is a comprehensive review of human factors issues as they relate to computer integration of manufacturing resources, computer-aided process planning, manufacturing, design and engineering. It provides a framework for the successful integration of technology, personnel, and organization. And it offers the insights, observations, and proven methods of 47 leading international authorities on the subject, from industry, government, and academia. For industrial and production engineers, managers, plant supervisors, and human resources administrators, this book is an outstanding practical guide to the ins and outs of implementing and maintaining AMS. Researchers will discover a well-constructed platform from which to launch further inquiries. Organization and Management of Advanced Manufacturing is also indispensable reading for graduate students in engineering, business administration, computer science, psychology, and sociology.