This document discusses different types of ceramic materials and their processing methods. It describes traditional ceramics which are made from natural minerals like clay and new ceramics which are synthetically produced. The key steps in processing ceramics are preparing powder raw materials, shaping using methods like slip casting or pressing, drying to remove water, and firing to sinter the materials. New ceramics often use advanced shaping techniques from powder metallurgy like hot pressing and require tighter control of starting powders. The document provides details on various ceramic forming and processing methods.