The bending strength of advanced ceramics as a construction material is not sufficient. One of the reasons for this is due to microcracks generated during the machining process. Firstly, this paper describes the effects of grinding conditions upon the bending strength of alumina ceramics. Secondly, the effects of vibration characteristics of the surface grinding machine upon the bending strength of ground ceramics is investigated. The bending strength of ceramics is measured by using the 4-point bending method. The surface integrity and subsurface integrity were observed by using SEM micrographs. There are critical relations between the grinding process and the bending strength of alumina ceramics. © 1991, The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. All rights reserved.