Manufacturing Technology Volume 2 - P.n Rao -

1. Casting Processes

2. Patterns & Core Making

3. Gating & Risering System

4. Melting & Pouring

5. Casting Defects & Testing


Given that gears are fundamental to machine drives, Rao devotes a full section to gear cutting:

In the vast ocean of academic literature surrounding mechanical and production engineering, few textbooks have achieved the iconic status of P.N. Rao’s two-volume series. Specifically, Manufacturing Technology Volume 2 stands as an indispensable resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students, competitive exam aspirants (such as GATE, IES, and UPSC), and industry professionals. manufacturing technology volume 2 - P.N Rao

While Volume 1 of the series typically deals with foundational processes like casting, forming, and joining (Foundry, Welding, Forging), Volume 2 delves into the heart of modern industrial production: Metal Cutting, Machine Tools, and Non-Traditional Manufacturing Methods.

This article explores the structure, key concepts, and enduring relevance of P.N. Rao’s Manufacturing Technology Volume 2, explaining why it remains the gold standard for understanding how raw materials are transformed into precision components.


While praised for its content, no book is perfect. Some critiques of Manufacturing Technology Volume 2 include: Rao introduces non-traditional methods:

Nevertheless, for passing engineering exams and building a strong machining foundation, these are minor drawbacks.


Recognizing the limitations of traditional cutting (e.g., hard materials, complex cavities), Rao introduces non-traditional methods: