Objective In order to make certain the compaction pressure as well as pre-sintering temperature on the machinability of the zirconia ceramic. Methods 3 mol nano-size 3 mol yttria partially stabilized zirconia（3Y-TZP） powder were compacted at different isostatic pressure and sintered at different temperature. The cylindrical surface was traversed using a hard metal tool. Surface and edge quality were checked visually using light stereo microscopy. Results Pre-sintering temperature had the obviously influence on the machinability of 3Y-TZP. The cutting surface was smooth, and the integrality of edge was better when the pre-sintering temperature was chosen between 800 ℃ to 900 ℃. Compaction pressure showed only a weak influence on machinability of 3Y-TZP blanks, but the higher compaction pressure result in the poor surface quality. Conclusion The best machinability of pre-sintered zirconia body was found for 800- 900 ℃ pre-sintering temperature, and 200-300 MPa compaction pressure.
