The latest information indicates that the United States now spends in excess of $150 billion annually to perform its metal removal tasks using conventional machining technology. That estimate is increased from $115 billion 5 years ago. It becomes clear that metal removal technology is a very important candidate for rigorous investigation looking toward improvement of productivity within the manufacturing system. To aid in that endeavor, an extensive program of research has developed within the industrial community with the express purpose of establish ing a new scientific and applied base...