Ceramic Cutting Tools, State of the Art and Development Trends

Abstract

When successfudly applied, ceramic Cutting tools can increase the metal removal rate by several times over that obtained with conventional tool materials. Ceramic tools are either based on alumina or silicon nitride and applications in metal cutting are determined by the specific material properties of the tool material in question. An understandin of the wear mechanisms is a prerequisite for further development of these materials. Applications and development trends are discussed.