The technological basis for a cost-effective and reliable grinding process of mixed oxide ceramics requires a fundamental understanding of the prevailing grinding mechanisms to maintain surface quality and strength requirements. However, these material removal mechanisms are not yet fully understood. This paper presents an innovative quick stop device for the interruption of cut during grinding. This appropriate method allows a detailed analysis of the interactions of grains along the contact zone. The results reveal correlations between the prevailing grinding mechanisms, the tetragonal to monoclinic phase transformation of the zirconia based ceramics as well as the resulting bending strength. © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.