In an era of rapid and continuous changes in technological, economical and social conditions, demands are constantly being made towards increased. performance in both productivity and surface quality. The present work reviews the highlights of various trends to attain to an ever-increasing degree this goal. The two main trends to attain such a goal of improved performance are the optimization of process parameters and the modification of tool design with improved consitions for EDM dielectric, ECM electrolyte and USM slurry systems. The objective is to furnish the production engineers with recommendations in the form of empirical approaches, special tool deign or improved flow system to enable him reach a reasonable solution towards improved performance.