Rational method for the powder metallurgical production of thermoelectric components

A method for production of a semifinished version of a thermoelectric component, the method comprising:

• a) providing a substantially planar substrate comprising an electrically and thermally insulating substrate material, through which through-holes extend oriented substantially perpendicularly to the substrate plane;
• b) providing a pulverulent thermoelectrically active material;
• c) pressing the active material to form green bodies, wherein the pressing proceeds in a mould different from the substrate;
• d) inserting the green bodies into the through-holes of the substrate in such a manner that, within each through-hole, along the axis thereof, one green body extends through the substrate;
• e) arranging the substrate with the green bodies inserted therein between two substantially planar electrodes, in such a manner that both electrodes and the substrate are substantially orientated parallel to one another;
• f) contacting face ends of the green bodies with the electrodes in such a manner that a connection is provided between the two electrodes via the green bodies, which connection transmits not only an electrical current but also a mechanical pressing force;
• g) exposing the green bodies to an electric current flowing between the electrodes in such a manner that heat is evoked within the thermoelectric active material;
• h) exposing the green bodies to a pressure force acting between the electrodes in such a manner that the thermoelectric active material comes under pressure;
• i) sintering the green bodies to form thermolegs, with the action of pressure and heat;
• and
• k) levelling the substrate and the thermolegs accommodated therein by bringing them closer to the electrodes while maintaining the parallelity thereof, in such a manner that each end face of said thermolegs finish flush with a planar surface of said substantially planar substrate,
• wherein any axial offset of the green bodies in the substrate and also any sinter shrinkage are compensated for by selection of a size of said green bodies.