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.^[1] 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]}
  • Permanent mold casting^{[citation needed]}
• Powder metallurgy
• Linear friction welding^{[citation needed]}
• Friction welding^{[citation needed]}
• Metal injection molding
• Rapid prototyping
• Spray forming
• Superplastic forming
• Cold forming
• Semi-solid metal casting
• Photochemical machining
• Hot isostatic pressing