A comprehensive yet accessible introduction to materials engineering which provides a straightforward, readable approach to the subject. The sixth edition includes a new chapter on the selection of materials, an updated discussion of new materials, and a complete glossary of key terms used in materials engineering. This renowned text has provided many thousands of students with an easily accessible introduction to the wide ranging subject area of materials engineering and manufacturing processes for over forty years. It avoids the excessive jargon and mathematical complexity so often found in textbooks for this subject, retaining the practical down-to-earth approach for which the book is noted. The increased emphasis on the selection of materials reflects the increased emphasis on this aspect of materials engineering now seen within current vocational and university courses. In addition to meeting the requirements of vocational and undergraduate engineering syllabuses, this text will also provide a valuable desktop reference for professional engineers working in product design who require a quick source of information on materials and manufacturing processes.