Class 10 includes engineered ceramics such as silicon nitride, zirconia, and alumina, valued for their hardness, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance. These materials are used in high-performance environments—from aerospace and armor to medical implants and microelectronics. Specialized ceramics like AlON (aluminum oxynitride) offer unique properties like optical transparency and extreme hardness, requiring advanced preparation techniques.
Extremely hard materials require precise abrasion control to avoid subsurface damage.
Relief development can obscure grain boundaries and require chemical-mechanical techniques.
Many ceramics have low natural reflectivity; sputter coating may be needed for clear imaging.
Grain-boundary fracture and surface defects may result from aggressive polishing or drying.
Use diamond or cubic boron nitride (CBN) cutting with coolant. Avoid fracture from mechanical shock.
Use edge-retaining castable resins. Low shrinkage is important for preserving edge integrity.
Use rigid grinding systems with diamond abrasives. Apply light pressure and minimize step transitions.
CMP with colloidal silica or alumina is recommended. Use soft, low-nap cloths and frequent cleaning.
Microstructure free from grain pull-out or fracture
Surface is smooth and free from subsurface damage
Reflectivity enhanced via sputter coating if needed
Grain boundaries and inclusions clearly visible