Source:     15^th All India Machine Tool Design and Research Conference on "Advanced Technologies for Design and Manufacture" from Dec. 3-5  1992 held at PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, pp. 571-576

Abstract:  Presently ceramics are used very extensively in engineering applications ranging from the smallest artificial teeth and computer chips, to the largest spaceships. The development of advanced ceramics is of interest to researchers all over the world. The machining of these ceramics is a difficult task which is under development as traditional machining is usually not possible for these high tech ceramics. The process of moulding parts as done in powder metallurgy is a very cumbersome method and it is difficult to achieve the required degree of purity of metal powders. Subsequent high temperature annealing of grains is also very costly. It becomes difficult to achieve necessary tolerances and closer dimensions with moulding. One is required to finish the parts with subsequent machining. Most of the machining of ceramics has been the development of low cost machining of advanced caramics. Experiments have been conducted to machine High Alumina, Silicon Carbide and Steatite using Ultrasonic drilling processes. The paper describes the production accuracy of the holes produced on these materials. Surface integrity aspects and tool wear values for holes produced in high Alumina and Silicon Carbide Components have been reported in this work.