We utilise advanced ceramic sealing techniques to manufacture components that feature ceramic seals, either as a replacement for, or in combination with, glass sealing methods. These components range from simple ceramic-based filament holders for scientific applications to highly intricate electronic packaging solutions.
Ceramic seals can be utilised in the form of ceramic "eyelet" or feed-through seals, which offer the benefit of supporting higher power connections and operating at elevated temperatures.
Packages can also incorporate direct copper-bonded or active metal-brazed ceramic substrates, either as a substrate within a conventional package or as a single- or multi-layer assembly forming the base of the package.
Using ceramic substrates or assemblies as the package base offers numerous potential advantages.
Key Features of Ceramic Seals:
- High Temperature Resistance: Ceramic seals can endure temperatures exceeding 1000°C, making them ideal for high-temperature applications.
- Electrical Insulation: Due to the non-conductive nature of ceramics, these seals are commonly used in electronic devices where electrical isolation is required.
- Corrosion Resistance: Ceramic materials resist chemical degradation, making these seals ideal for harsh chemical environments.
- Wear and Abrasion Resistance: The hardness of ceramics provides excellent resistance to mechanical wear, extending the lifespan of the seal.
Applications of Ceramic Seals:
Ceramic seals are used in various industries where their unique properties are critical. These include:
- Aerospace: Components that must perform under high stress and temperature.
- Medical Devices: Seals that require biocompatibility and sterilisation.
- Electronics: High-performance insulators for semiconductor devices.
Ceramic Sealing Techniques
Advanced ceramic sealing techniques are essential for ensuring the reliability and longevity of ceramic seals. There are several methods used to create these high-performance seals:
1. Brazing
Brazing is one of the most common methods used to join ceramics to metals. A filler material with a lower melting point than the base materials is melted and flows into the joint. As the materials cool, a strong, hermetic bond is formed.
- Advantages: Brazing provides strong, reliable joints that can withstand high temperatures and pressures. It also enables the sealing of dissimilar materials like metal and ceramic.
2. Sintering
Sintering involves heating ceramic powders below their melting point to bond particles together. This process forms a dense, solid structure, creating a hermetic seal. Sintering is widely used in manufacturing ceramic parts for mechanical and electronic applications.
- Advantages: Sintered seals exhibit excellent strength, resistance to wear, and superior mechanical properties under high-pressure conditions.
3. Glass Bonding
Glass bonding is used to join ceramics to other ceramics. The technique involves melting glass material to create a bond between the two surfaces. This method is commonly used in electrical feedthroughs and sealing of optical components.
- Advantages: Glass bonding is ideal for creating hermetic seals and provides excellent electrical insulation.
4. Diffusion Bonding
In diffusion bonding, ceramic materials are joined by applying pressure and heat in a vacuum or controlled atmosphere. Over time, atoms from both materials diffuse across the boundary, creating a strong, uniform bond.
- Advantages: Diffusion bonding is ideal for precision applications, where high mechanical strength and airtight seals are required.
