Book excerpt: Handbook of Ceramics Grinding and Polishing meets the growing need in manufacturing industries for a clear understanding of the latest techniques in ceramics processing. The properties of ceramics make them very useful as components—they withstand high temperatures and are durable, resistant to wear, chemical degradation, and light. In recent years the use of ceramics has been expanding, with applications in most industry sectors that use machined parts, especially where corrosion-resistance is required, and in high temperature environments. However, they are challenging to produce and their use in high-precision manufacturing often requires adjustments to be made at the micro and nano scale. This book helps ceramics component producers to do cost-effective, highly precise machining. It provides a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of ceramics—their properties and characteristics—and of the abrasive processes used to manipulate their final shape as well as the test procedures vital for success. The second edition has been updated throughout, with the latest developments in technologies, techniques, and materials. The practical nature of the book has also been enhanced; numerous case studies illustrating how manufacturing (machining) problems have been handled are complemented by a highly practical new chapter on the selection and efficient use of machine tools. - Provides readers with experience-based insights into complex and expensive processes, leading to improved quality control, lower failure rates, and cost savings - Covers the fundamentals of ceramics side-by-side with processing issues and machinery selection, making this book an invaluable guide for downstream sectors evaluating the use of ceramics, as well as those involved in the manufacturing of structural ceramics - Numerous case studies from a wide range of applications (automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical devices)