Al 2 O 3 /TiC Based Metal Cutting Tools by Microwave Sintering Followed by Hot Isostatic Pressing

The feasibility of producing Al 2 O 3 /TiC metal cutting tools by fast microwave sintering followed by hot isostatic pressing was examined. Microwave heating profiles able to ensure near‐full densification of Al 2 O 3 /TiC ceramic components were determined. Simple‐shape specimens could be sintered to a bulk density of 97% theoretical density (TD) while in the case of tool‐shaped ones maximal densification levels attained were somewhat lower, i.e., ∼95% TD. Temperature uniformization—within the heating chamber—by using a particulate SiC susceptor noticeably reduced tool cracking propensity. Densification levels in the range acceptable for commercial tool manufacturing (≥98% TD) were achieved by hot isostatic pressing of the microwave‐sintered parts. The isostatically pressed parts exhibited a Vickers hardness H v ≅ 2000 kg/mm 2 and a fracture toughness K IC ∼ 4.3 MPa·m 1/2 .