This article focuses on powder bed fusion (PBF) of ceramics, which has the potential to fabricate functional ceramic parts directly without any binders or post-sintering steps. It presents the results of three oxide ceramic materials, namely silica, zirconia, and alumina, processed using PBF techniques. The article discusses the challenges encountered during PBF of ceramics, including nonuniform ceramic powder layer deposition, laser and powder particle interactions, melting and consolidation mechanisms, optimization of process parameters, and presence of residual stresses in ceramics after processing. The applications of PBF ceramics are also discussed.

This article describes the principles and classifications of induction furnaces. The classifications of induction furnaces are coreless and channel. The electromagnetic stirring action in these furnaces is reviewed. The article provides information on the various power supplies and water cooling systems for induction furnaces. Furnace operators can increase the power supply utilization by the use of mechanical skimmers. The article describes the various lining materials used in induction furnaces, namely, silica, alumina, and magnesia. The crucible wall scrapers, ramming mixes, and lining push-out device used in induction furnaces are also reviewed. The article concludes with a discussion on batch operation and tap-and-charge operation, two distinct ways of operating a coreless induction furnace.

This article discusses the fracture behavior of silicate glasses, more specifically, soda-lime-silicate glass, borosilicate glass and vitreous silica. It analyzes the testing and calculation of dynamic fatigue and slow-crack-growth for lifetime prediction of glasses. The article illustrates the phenomenon of static fatigue and concludes with a discussion on the role of surface damage in strength and fatigue behavior.