Book excerpt: The first manufacturing book to examine time-based break-even analysis, this landmark reference/text applies cost analysis to a variety of industrial processes, employing a new, problem-based approach to manufacturing procedures, materials, and management. An Introduction to Manufacturing Processes and Materials integrates analysis of material costs and process costs, yielding a realistic, effective approach to planning and executing efficient manufacturing schemes. It discusses tool engineering, particularly in terms of cost for press work, forming dies, and casting patterns, process parameters such as gating and riser design for casting, feeds, and more.