ABSTRACT
Ceramic materials are difficult and expensive to machine due to their high hardness and brittle nature. Machining must be done carefully to avoid causing damage that might adversely affect the properties of the material or the function of the application. However, more frequently, machining of some of the surfaces is required to meet dimensional tolerances, achieve improved surface finish, or remove surface flaws. Ceramic material can be removed by mechanical, thermal, or chemical action. Mechanical approaches can be divided into three categories: mounted abrasive, free abrasive, and impact. The microstructure of the ceramic material has a pronounced effect on the rate of machining and on the residual strength after machining. Rice reports that fine-grained ceramics require higher grinding force and longer time to slice or machine. Optimization of grinding requires a systems approach in which the grinding machine, the grinding wheel, the grinding parameters, and the characteristics and specifications of the ceramic workpiece are all considered.
