Near net shape

'''Near-net-shape''' is an industrial manufacturing technique. As the name implies, the initial production of the item is very close to the final, or ''net'', shape.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steel Castings {{!}} What is Near Net Shape Manufacturing? |url=https://www.ferralloy.com/post/steel-castings-near-net-shape |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=www.ferralloy.com |date=29 August 2023 |language=en}}</ref> This reduces the need for surface finishing. By minimizing the use of finishing methods like machining or grinding, near-net-shape production eliminates more than two-thirds of the production costs in some industries.

==Processes== The following are various near-net-shape processes categorized by material.

===Ceramics=== *Gelcasting *Ceramic injection molding *Spray forming *Structural ceramic production

===Composites=== *Lanxide process

===Plastics=== *Injection moulding *Rapid prototyping

===Metals=== *Casting{{citation needed|date=January 2011}} **Permanent mold casting{{citation needed|date=January 2011}} *Powder metallurgy *Linear friction welding{{citation needed|date=January 2011}} *Friction welding{{citation needed|date=January 2011}} *Metal injection molding *Rapid prototyping *Spray forming *Superplastic forming *Cold forming *Semi-solid metal casting *Photochemical machining *Hot isostatic pressing

==References== {{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Near Net Shape}} Category:Metalworking terminology Category:Plastics industry