Despite higher raw material costs, composites are increasingly seen as a cost-effective alternative to metals. Post processing treatment such as machining, joining and finishing are often the largest portion of manufacturing cost. Because composite structures can often be built to net shape and with fewer parts than their metal counterparts, total manufacturing costs are often lower.

Post processing cannot always be eliminated, however, and in those cases it is important to understand the special processing needs of composites. Mel Schwartz provides an extensive review of these requirements in his SAMPE Monograph, "Post Processing Treatment of Composites."

The material being processed is the most important factor in setting the post processing parameters, so the book begins with an overview of the different composite material types. Coverage of traditional polymer matrix composites is rather brief. Other materials discussed include metal, ceramic and glass matrix composites; carbon/carbon (C/C) and intermetallic composites (IMCs) receive the most extensive coverage.

After the introduction to materials, the book is divided into three major sections by processing category: joining, forming and finishing, and machining. Within each chapter, the author first discusses specific processes, then provides some detail about their application to each class of material. However, the organization of the text is not as clean as the contents. Materials are covered in the processing sections, and vice versa, leading to some repetition of topics.

"Post Processing" reads like a cross between a literature review and a handbook. Each chapter ends with an extensive reference list and bibliography (it would help to organize the bibliographies by subtopic in a future edition). The text provides not just a cursory mention of the literature, but includes a good amount of detail from the referenced works. Much of this is written in the form of mini case studies to illustrate the application of the concepts.

Although some practical data is provided, such coverage is by no means complete. For example, in the section on bolted joint design, the selection edge distances and fastener diameters are shown for some specific applications, but the general rules are not discussed. Readers looking for that information will need to consult the references or bibliographies. Still, just knowing what to look for can be a difficult task. "Post Processing" provides a good starting point for such searches.

The book ends with a nice, 44 page glossary. Strangely, though, it does not include many of the terms introduced in the text or specific to post processing of composites. Terms that might be unfamiliar to many readers, such as "intermetallic composite" or "fresh laminate" are not defined either in the main text of the book or in the glossary.

Details: "Post Processing Treatment of Composites", by Mel M. Schwartz, published by SAMPE, 1996, ISBN 0-938994-75-1.
1. Introduction: Fibers, Matrices, Composites; 2. Joining: Mechanical, Adhesive, Repair, Bonding, Welding; 3. Forming and Finishing; 4. Machining Composites: Drilling, Cutting, Cutters; Glossary

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