The causes of the defects in injection-moulded ceramic bars during debinding and sintering were investigated using density and shrinkage measurements in combination with macroscopic observation. Differential shrinkage during sintering is the main cause of post-debinding defects. Particle shape, mould geometry and gate position have a large effect on this differential shrinkage, while the volumetric shrinkage is almost constant and the influences of moulding conditions are relatively small. Particles with plate-like morphology orientate during moulding and contribute markedly to defect formation during debinding and sintering.