Method to produce pedestal features in constrained sintered substrates

Methods to create raised pedestal parts in ceramic substrates sintered under a load. The invention uses a patterned, buried, non-sintering layer that provides the needed transfer of load during the sintering process to the raised or pedestal portion of the substrate while maintaining dimensional control of the metallized features on the surface of the pedestal base. The methods involve cutting channels in the ceramic substrate corresponding in position to the perimeter of the opening in the patterned non-sintering contact sheet. The channels may be cut either before or after the sintering of the ceramic substrates.