Forming of metal-based composite parts

In the last few decades, metal-based composites and related manufacturing methods have attained a significant research attention thanks to the possibilities they offer to tailor both the material properties and the part in-service performances. A variety of metal-based composite parts is available for commercial applications since more affordable and robust manufacturing processes and quality control techniques have recently overcome many challenging technological issues. The paper aims at describing the forming processes applied to metal-based composites, with particular emphasis on the process features, part obtainable characteristics, and modelling issues for a convincing design and optimization of the process itself. The most recent progresses and challenges are illustrated in detail, including innovative materials and processes that are emerging to answer the requirements of advanced engineering applications as well as new modelling techniques and current approaches to face economic and environmental issues.