The numerical simulation of a hot metal or soft material processing operation, for optimising the design and operating variables, critically depends on the boundary conditions associated with the walls of the equipment. With advancements in finite element

The progress of unconventional machining through the application of computer-aided technology is presented. The processes of ECM, EDM, LBM, AWJM are discussed in relation to the influence of CAD, CAM, CAE, CNC, CIM and on their acceptance by manufacturing industry. EDM and LBM can readily be integrated onto the machine shop floor today. Other processes have lesser degrees of automation, mainly because their applications tend to be more specialised. All processes need to be able to be fully automated and integrated if they are to remain competitive.