Book excerpt: Modern Manufacturing Technology & Cost Estimation offers a systematic coverage of essential advanced manufacturing processes. Throughout the book authors stress practical approach to near-net-shape and non-traditional (EDM, ECM) processes. Technological developments have recently advanced along with materials, tooling and machines. This book serves as the concise resource related to: Electrophysical and electrochemical methods and principles Near-net-shape processes and applications Technological Knowledge systems developments material - process: cost relationships¿ technology-oriented published, Internet and periodical information This book enables a practitioner: efficiently perform feasibility study develop a basis for cost-oriented decision support acquire new knowledge or to refresh knowledge related to manufacturing analysis and characteristics. This on-the-job book will support cost justification studies, reduce decision time which is critical for busy professionals. Furthermore, it offers common engineering vision for the cross-functional team of manufacturing engineer, product designer, purchasing specialist, sales and marketing professionals. It is written for a practitioner who does not have time to undertake the long hours needed to research the subject The cost reduction course presented in this book can become a model for a set of training courses. Additionally, the book contains useful visual models and templates, examples and diagrams. If technologies described in this book can replace several traditional operations, consolidate product features and improve quality, that means, based on Modern Manufacturing Technology & Cost Estimation a practitioner will be able: generate more creative and cost saving ideas, concepts correctly diagnose a manufacturing problem optimize material and process selection improve mold and die manufacturing processes