This book presents the state of the art concerning the fundamental aspects of semi-solid processing of alloys and composites, together with the industrial applications. The fundamental aspects include both the microstructure development and characterization, and the rheology of alloy slurries with special attention to both experimental determination and modeling. The industrial applications are also surveyed and particular consideration is given to recent developments in slurry formation. The foreword is provided by Prof. Merton C Flemings (MIT), the father and originator of semi-solid processing.