“…Silicon nitride cutting tools have captured application in cast iron machining which had previously been exclusively served by cemented carbide and alumina-based tools (Diniz & Ferrer, 2008;Grzesik, Rech, Zak, & Claudin, 2009;Reddy, Chakraborty, Mahajan, & Prasad, 1990;Souza, Nono, Ribeiro, Machado, & Silva, 2009). While capable of several ceramic applications, Si 3 N 4 is possibly the most ideal tool material for machining gray cast iron in turning, boring, and face milling operations.…”