Method for forming complex ceramic shapes

摘要

A method for forming single element arc tubes is provided. The method includes the use of the lost foam process in combination with ceramic forming processes. First, a polymeric material (20) is formed to define the internal dimensions. The outer dimensions are established with an external mold (40), followed by filling the mold with a suspension (60) that hardens. The outer mold is removed and the part is debindered to melt and remove the inner foam shape, followed by sintering to form a substantially transparent ceramic arc tube (70).