Patent ID: 6446468
Filing Date: 2002-09-10
Classification: C03B

Abstract:
A process for fabricating an article, comprising the steps of:providing a core rod assembly comprising a core rod, optionally with an overcladding layer formed on the core rod, wherein the core rod assembly has a first end and a second end, and wherein the core rod assembly comprises a end piece proximate to the second end of the core rod assembly; providing an unsintered overcladding tube; inserting the core rod assembly into the unsintered overcladding tube such that an annular gap is provided between at least a portion of the exterior of the core rod assembly and at least a portion of the interior of the unsintered overcladding tube; and heating the overcladding tube and the core rod assembly to sinter the overcladding tube and form a preform assembly, wherein at the completion of the heating step at least a portion of the core rod assembly remains free of contact with the overcladding tube.