Ceramic Cutting tool materials are required high fracture toughness, and tool materials such as Si₃N₄, and Al₂O₃ with TiC and SiC whiskers added, have been developed to satisfy this need. In manufacturing technology the introduction of hot pressing and hot isostatic pressing techniques have enhanced material strength and fracture toughness by enabling ceramic materials to be made with finer and more uniform grains.
This paper discusses the current state of ceramic tool materials and their manufacturing techniques.