Source: X^th National Conference on Industrial Tribology, 24-26th March, 1993 conducted at Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehra Dun,  India,  pp. 164-169.
 

Abstract: The ceramics have been used since the time immemorial. The development of Advanced Ceramics is of interest to the researchers all over the world. The application of advanced ceramics include from smallest artificial teeth, computer chips, to the largest spaceship. The growing interest of scientists in engineering ceramics is primarily due to their inherent material structure i.e. strong chemical bonds and the mixed Ionic Covalent nature of these bonds. This bonding is responsible for many of the characteristics such as high hardness, high stiffness, high temperature and corrosion resistance for which these advanced ceramics are known for. It is very difficult to machine these ceramics after their sintering using traditional machining methods. Most of the machining of ceramics has been carried out with diamond machining  methods. The main aim of engineers these days has been the advent of low cost machining of advanced ceramics with high surface integrity and production accuracies. Experiments have been conducted to machine Silicon Carbide, High Alumina and other advanced ceramics using Ultrasonic Drilling processes. This paper discusses Tool Wear and other associated problems encountered in the machining of advanced ceramics using USM, EDM Hydrodynamic Machining, Diamond Machining and other machining processes. In addition the paper also includes production accuracy of the holes and surface integrity aspects produced on these advanced ceramics.