This contribution shows results of 3D-shaping experiments of ceramic tapes. The structures were made by wrapping structured tapes around a hexagonal alumina rod. After lamination, the rod was removed and the structure was finally fired, similarly as reported in [1]. One out of many possible applications of such structures is a miniaturized furnace for sintering of critical materials, which could contaminate expensive chamber furnaces, for tempering of single gas sensors, or for fast heating at controlled rate. While LTCC technology can be applied only up to 600–700 °C, application of HTCC tapes can extend temperature range to above 1000 °C. Therefore, 99.99% alumina tape (ESL 44007) was used. The here-shown miniaturized furnace has a hexagonal form. For a proper temperature distribution in the furnace chamber, the furnace was equipped with six platinum heaters that can be controlled independently. Finite Elements Analysis (FEM) supported the design process. The paper discusses manufacturing route, beginning with a design process supported by FEM through 3D-shaping by wrapping structured tapes around an alumina rod and finally firing and functionality tests.
Investigations on 3-dimensional temperature distribution in a FLATCON-type CPV module
