METHOD OF FORMING COMPLEX-SHAPED HOLLOW CERAMIC BODIES

摘要

A method of forming hollow bodies of ceramic material suitable for use as th e discharge vessels of high intensity discharge lamps comprises forming a fugitive core of substantially pure graphite having a configuration matching the interior configuration of the hollow body. A flowable powder, including binders, of the ceramic materi al is formed and added to fill the annular space between a flexible elastomeric mold defining the outer contour and the fugitive core defining the inner contour. The ceramic powder is isostatically compressed in the mold about the core to form a sub-assembly. The sub-assembly is removed from the mold, heated pit a rate and time and in a suitable atmosphere to volatilize the fugitive core, and subsequently the sub-assembl y is sintered to form the hollow body.