Machining ceramic

[JohnCoker]

I need to machine a small ceramic cone (3" diameter, 1.5" height). Any suggestions on what bit to use? I assume that a ball mill is appropriate here, but just a regular carbide or do I need to go diamond?

In searching for material, I went to Cotronics (since I've used their high-temp epoxy before), and they have these blocks which look promising:
http://www.cotronics.com/vo/cotr/cm_machinable.htm

I'm just not sure how to take "Easily machined with standard shop equipment." :)

[khaos]

Is the ceramic fired already?

[JohnCoker]

From the description, it sounds like you machine it, then get it fired.
http://www.cotronics.com/vo/cotr/pdf/ins902.pdf

So, I guess that's why it's easy to machine; there's a firing step afterwards.

[Burkhardt]

There are fibrous and mica ceramic types that can be machined to precise dimensions and don't need firing:
http://www.mcmaster.com/#machinable-ceramic/=r28quj
It is all quite expensive, though.

[MogulTx]

John,

Interesting. What are you trying to accomplish?

Monty