The Fifth International Conference on Advanced Manufacturing Systems and Technology – AMST ’99 – aims at presenting up-to-date information on the latest developments research results and industrial experience in the field of machining of conventional and advanced materials, high speed machining, forming, modeling, nonconventional machining processes, new tool materials and tool systems, rapid prototyping, life cycle of products and quality assurance, thus providing an international forum for a beneficial exchange of ideas, and furthering a favourable cooperation between research and industry.