Comparing tool materials by life capability Under appropriate conditions, ceramic cutting tools generally exhibit __________ tool life than cemented carbide tools.

Introduction / Context:
Tool material selection balances hot hardness, toughness, chemical stability, and cost. Ceramics and carbides occupy adjacent tiers in performance; understanding their comparative life helps choose the right tool for cast irons, hardened steels, and superheated conditions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Continuous or mildly interrupted finishing cuts.
• Work materials suitable for ceramics (e.g., cast iron, hardened steel).
• Proper fixturing and minimal shock loading.

Concept / Approach:
Ceramics offer very high hot hardness and chemical stability, enabling much higher cutting speeds than carbides. At these appropriate conditions, ceramics often deliver longer tool life and excellent wear resistance. However, ceramics are brittle and less tolerant to heavy interruptions or severe impact.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify operating window where ceramics excel: high speed, high temperature, stable cuts.Compare: carbides have better toughness but lower hot hardness than ceramics.Conclude: ceramics can have greater tool life than carbides in suitable applications.

Verification / Alternative check:
Application notes show ceramics achieving several times the speed of carbides on gray cast iron with competitive or superior life.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
(b) ignores the well-established high-speed advantage. (c), (d), and (e) specify conditions that are not the primary strengths of ceramics; ceramics are not preferred for heavy interruptions.

Common Pitfalls:
Applying ceramics to severe interrupted cuts; using coolant where thermal shock may crack ceramic inserts.

Final Answer:
True