Material removal mechanisms in precision machining of new materials

Modern-day products are characterised by high-precision components. A wide range of materials, including metals and their alloys, ceramics, glasses an d semiconductors, are finished to a given geometry, finish, accuracy and su rface integrity to meet the service requirements. For advanced technology s ystems, demands for higher fabrication precision are complicated by the use of brittle materials. For efficient and economical machining of these mate rials, an understanding of the material removal mechanism is essential. Thi s paper focuses on the different material removal mechanisms involved in ma chining of brittle materials. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.