Selective Area Laser Deposition for Silicon Nitride Joining

Ceramic joining is a difficult step in ceramic manufacturing. Joining ceramics, in a chemically homogeneous way, can be performed through the repurposing of an additive manufacturing technique involving local deposition of ceramics from the gas phase. Selective area laser deposition uses a gas phase precursor environment and a laser heat source to form ceramic deposits. These deposits can be positioned with great spatial resolution; as such, it is possible to form the joint with the ceramic material to create a monolithic structure. Silicon nitride is explored as a joining material for silicon nitride work pieces. The experimental conditions are described and the joint formation is characterized.Mechanical Engineerin