In order to make clear the grindability of ceramics, a series of alumina-zirconia composite ceramics was ground using diamond grinding wheel, because the physical properties of this kind of ceramics vary greatly. Grinding force was adopted as a criterion of grindability, and bending strength, elastic modulus, Knoop hardness and fracture toughness were also measured as properties related to material removal mechanism. The results are summarized as follows:
(1) The grindability was dominated by hardness and fracture toughness in plastic deformation and in brittle fracture, respectively.
(2) A normal force increased with grinding time. The increasing rate was closely connected with the wear of abrasive grain and influenced by the nature of work material.