The current focus of manufacturing is towards flexible automation and miniaturization.

Metal Matrix Composites (MMC's) have found an increased use in various industries due to their special mechanical and physical properties. They are a composite material with at least two constituent parts, one being a metal and are made by dispersing a reinforcing material into a metal matrix. The markets are: telecommunications, automotive, power semiconductor, opto-electronics, military and aerospace, heavy transportation, space systems and satellites, medical, and industrial lighting. Applications within these markets include microwave, micro-electronic packaging, laser diode, HB-LED’s, and advanced radar.

Ultra fine-grained metals can show exceptional ductility, known as superplasticity, during sheet forming. The higher ductility of superplastic metals makes it possible to form large and complex components in a single operation without joints or rivets. The result is less waste, lower weight and manufacturing costs, high precision and lack of residual stress associated with welding which makes components ideal for aerospace, automotive and other applications. Superplastic forming of advanced metallic materials summarises key recent research on this important process.Part one reviews types of superplastic metals, standards for superplastic forming, processes and equipment. Part two discusses ways of modelling superplastic forming processes whilst the final part of the book considers applications, including superplastic forming of titanium, aluminium and magnesium alloys.With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Superplastic forming of advanced metallic materials is a valuable reference for metallurgists and engineers in such sectors as aerospace and automotive engineering.Note: The Publishers wish to point out an error in the authorship of Chapter 3 which was originally listed as: G. Bernhart, Clément Ader Institute, France. The correct authorship is: G Bernhart, P. Lours, T. Cutard, V. Velay, Ecole des Mines Albi, France and F. Nazaret, Aurock, France. The Publishers apologise to the authors for this error. - Reviews types of superplastic metals and standards for superplastic forming - Discusses the modelling of superplastic forming, including mathematical and finite element modelling - Examines various applications, including superplastic forming of titanium, aluminiun and magnesium alloys