New processes or old: complex shape processing of advanced ceramics

Demand for advanced ceramics with more complex shapes continues to grow. This in combination with the need for more reliable components has forced manufacturers to look for improvements in their current processing techniques and to adopt new processes which may be better suited to fulfil market demand. New processing concepts have emerged over the past decade on two fronts, improved casting technologies, and rapid manufacturing routes that do not require moulds. In the present paper, examples of both routes are given. Possible advantages of combining conventional and emerging methods are discussed.