As an instructor in various finishing courses, I have frequently made the statement over the years that "In the field of metal finishing there is very little black and white, just a great deal of grey. It is the purpose of the instructor to familiarize the student with the beacons that will guide him through this fog. " To a very considerable extent, a handbook such as this serves a similar purpose. It is also subject to similar limitations. Providing all the required information would result in a multi-volume encyclopedia rather than a usable handbook. In the pages that follow, you will therefore find frequent references to other sources where more detailed explanations or information can be found. The present goal is proper guidance and the provision ofthe most frequently required facts, not everything that is available. In the 13 years since the last edition, changes in the finishing industry have been profound but in one sense have resulted in simplifying matters rather than complicating them. Because technology has advanced to a level of complexity rendering "home brew" impracti cal in many cases, dependence on proprietary compounds has become common. Therefore, detailed solution compositions are often no longer significant or even practical. It is thus more important to provide instruction about the factors that affect the choice of the most suitable type of proprietary material.

Engineers rely on Groover because of the book’s quantitative and engineering-oriented approach that provides more equations and numerical problem exercises. The fourth edition introduces more modern topics, including new materials, processes and systems. End of chapter problems are also thoroughly revised to make the material more relevant. Several figures have been enhanced to significantly improve the quality of artwork. All of these changes will help engineers better understand the topic and how to apply it in the field.

Volume 3 helps you and your production team use new materials, choose the most efficient surface and edge preparation techniques, and apply coatings that enhance the appearance and performance of your final product. You'll use this book to analyze the machinability, formability and weldability of your materials, and to help assess heat treatment systems, coating processes and materials, application and curing methods, and more.