The first comprehensive and functionally useful engineering analysis of underlying principles and mechanisms. Takes a novel approach suggesting that any of the prevailing processing methods can be broken down into a shaping step and into a set of clearly defined elementary steps that prepare the polymeric raw material for shaping. The shaping steps include calendering and coating; die forming; mold coating; molding and casting; and secondary shaping; whereas the elementary steps are handling of particulate solids; melting; pressurization and pumping; mixing; and stripping and devolatilization.