ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes a variety of methods that can be used to produce ceramics with the requisite geometry or shape. The role of the fabrication process is to produce microstructures with the desired engineering properties. Ceramics can be fabricated by a variety of methods, some of which have their origins in early civilization. The major factors that should be considered at the start of the production process are the quality of the powder to be used, the method of forming the powder into a green article, and the sintering conditions. These will be determined by the nature of the ceramic to be fabricated, the economics of the fabrication process, and the engineering properties required of the product. The chapter outlines the potential benefits that may be obtained from careful control of the powder quality and the powder consolidation method. To further illustrate these benefits, it also considers the case of producing Al2O3 articles.
