An analysis of physical and chemical processes occurring during hot pressing of the 95 wt. % TiB 2-5 wt. % NiCl 2 By powder mixture in the temperature range 1800-2000 °C has been performed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, an electron-probe microanalysis. It has been established that, in the process of heat treatment, sintering, TiB 2 grain growth, diffusion of boron and titanium into nickel layers, and the formation of Ni x B y Ti z layers between TiB 2 grains occur. These layers act as a grains binder TiB 2. It is shown that the drilling of the obtained high-strength ceramics can be performed by laser machining.