Abstract: A single furnace loading cycle technique and a ventable sintering box therefor are disclosed for the sintering of products, such as, ceramic substrates. The sintering box includes a closeable cover which is held open by collapsible or deformable or sensitive spacers in a first furnace temperature range. The sensitive spacers collapse or deform in a higher temperature range to seal closed the box and the substrates therein. Thus, volatile agents within the substrates are permitted to escape in the first temperature range but are prevented from escaping in the higher temperature range.Provision also is made using additional sensitive spacers for applying a weight upon the substrates when in the higher temperature range due to the collapse or deformation of the sensitive spacers.

Abstract: A single furnace loading cycle method for sintering at least one product. The method comprises the steps of placing at least one product into a ventable/sealable box, which box is placed inside a furnace. The box is vented inside the furnace at a first temperature range, and then the box is sealed with the at least one product inside the box in a second temperature range, wherein the second temperature range is higher than the first temperature range, and wherein the step of sealing occurs after the step of venting without removing the box from the furnace.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aluminum nitride body having graded metallurgy and a method for making such a body. The aluminum nitride body has at least one via and includes a first layer in direct contact with the aluminum nitride body and a second layer in direct contact with, and that completely encapsulates, the first layer. The first layer includes 30 to 60 volume percent aluminum nitride and 40 to 70 volume percent tungsten and/or molybdenum while the second layer includes 90 to 100 volume percent of tungsten and/or molybdenum and 0 to 10 volume percent of aluminum nitride.

Abstract: Forming a green multi-layer component with an embedded pattern of barrier material, which may be in the form of a positive pattern to form a recessed area or in the form of a negative pattern to form raised areas on the component. Peripheral channels are machined into the green laminate surface to outline each negative or positive pattern feature, the channels being cut deep and wide enough to contact and overlap the edges of the barrier material. The layer of barrier material and the overlying layer(s) of ceramic material are separated from the remainder of the component to produce a non-planar part having raised areas in the case of a negative pattern of barrier material or a part having recessed areas in the case of a positive pattern of barrier material. An apparatus and process to control the machining depth of cut using both AC and DC sensing techniques is disclosed.