Machining Ceramic with PCD Inserts

The light weight of ceramic materials and their outstanding resistance to wear and high
temperatures make them increasingly preferred for industrial applications. However, machining
ceramics is very costly and time consuming.

Grinding, with its high cost and low volume material removal rate (MRR), is still the most common method used to finish machine sintered (fired) ceramic components.

New machining methods must be evaluated in order to produce ceramic components in a more timely, cost-effective manner.

Therefore to minimize the time and cost associated with finish machining after sintering, ceramic materials should be machined in the bisque state with PCD tooling whenever possible.

Expected Benefits
- Reduced operation time by 90% by rough machining in bisque state, when compared to grinding
- Reduced labor costs
- Increased competitiveness of ceramic components

David Richards Engineering specializes in the manufacture of PCD Inserts and cutting tools. They offer extensive experience in the machining of carbide with PCD tools. Contact them via sales@drengus.com for information regarding speeds and feeds and recommended tooling.