A major problem in ceramic processing is achieving the same properties every time a process is repeated. Intelligent processing of materials is an attempt to solve the problem of making complex materials more uniform in their structure and properties. As materials become more complex in composition, structure, and processing, it becomes more difficult to make a uniform product. Sensors analyze a material as it is processed to warn computers controlling the process to correct errors beginning to occur.
Adaptive control is the name of the method to improve the quality of manufacturing processes.
The key to tougher, stronger, more reliable ceramics lies in ceramic processing. By improving existing processes and developing more efficient ones that reduce the size and number of flaws and even out the distribution and size of particles, attaining such ceramics is being realized rapidly.