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from the MSEL Annual Report 1997:  

ADVANCED PROCESSING PROGRAMS:  Ceramic Machining

Contact:  Said Jahanmir (301) 975-3671

The Ceramic Machining Program was established in response to a comprehensive survey of the U.S. advanced ceramics industry indicating that the high cost of machining and, at times, uncertain reliability associated with machining damage are primary impediments to the widespread use of these materials. This program is designed to address generic industry needs related to measurement methods and standards in order to assist industry in the development of machining technology for the manufacture of reliable and cost-effective components made from advanced ceramics. The specific projects include: (1) effects of abrasive machining on mechanical properties of ceramics, (2) intelligent machining of ceramics, (3) chemical and chemomechanical effects of grinding fluids, and (4) abrasive finishing and wear of dental ceramics.

Ceramic materials studied in these projects include those ceramics intended for structural applications, such as silicon nitride, and the ceramics used for dental restorations, such as machinable glass-ceramics. The first two projects are conducted jointly with the 22 member Ceramic Machining Consortium with input from NIST’s Precision Engineering Division, Statistical Engineering Division, and Standard Reference Data Program. The Consortium members, representing a broad spectrum of industry consisting of materials producers, machine tool builders, suppliers of expendables (such as grinding wheels and fluids), and end users participate by providing materials, testing, advice, and other in-kind contributions. The consortium members also provide input to the other two projects and assist NIST in formulating the scope of the research projects. The close working relationship developed between industry, academic institutions, and NIST not only ensures the relevance of the research projects but also promotes an efficient and timely transfer of research information to industry for implementation.