For courses in Plastics, Materials and Manufacturing found in departments of mechanical, industrial or manufacturing technology or engineering, also for any beginning course in Plastics in engineering or technology programs.This book is designed to introduce plastics to a wide range of students who need to either gain, improve, or refresh their knowledge of plastic materials and manufacturing. It fully discusses both materials and manufacturing processes in a carefully-constructed and logical presentation. While providing a fundamental overview of a broad spectrum of topics, the text's high level of detail makes it valuable as both an introductory text and, later, a professional reference manual.