根据其微观结构，陶瓷可以以不同的方式对局部载荷作出反应。在磨削加工中，加工参数和工件的材料特性共同决定了微脆性断裂或塑性变形。切粒深度是最重要的变量。脆性区域磨削产生的表面含有腐蚀性裂纹。由于韧性表面结构的形成不涉及破裂，因此机械损伤可以最小化。韧性磨削比脆性磨削需要更多的能量。不能排除表面层的热损伤。

DEPENDING ON THEIR MICROSTRUCTURE, CERAMICS CAN REACT TO LOCAL LOADING IN DIFFERENT WAYS. IN GRINDING, MACHINING PARAMETERS TOGETHER WITH MATERIAL PROPERTIES OF THE WORK DECIDE ABOUT MICRO-BRITTLE FRACTURE OR PLASTIC DEFORMATION. GRAIN DEPTH OF CUT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT VARIABLE. SURFACE PRODUCED BY BRITTLE REGIME GRINDING CONTAIN DETERMENTAL CRACKS. AS NO FRACTURING IS INVOLVED IN THE GENERATION OF DUCTILE SURFACE STRUCTURES, MECHANICAL DAMAGE CAN BE MINIMIZED. DUCTILE REGIME GRINDING REQUIRES MORE ENERGY THAN BRITTLE REGIME GRINDING. THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE SURFACE LAYER CANNOT BE RULED OUT.