Thermal Technology develops large direct current sintering system
March 14, 2012
Thermal Technology LLC, based in Santa Rosa, CA, USA, is currently building a 100-ton, 36,000 amp direct current sintering (DCS) system for a US research organisation. The DCS Model 100-36 will be integral to the study of new ultra-high-temperature ceramic composites.
“Thermal Technology has dominated the domestic spark plasma sintering market since 2008 and we currently have six systems in various stages of completion,” says Matt Mede, Thermal Technology president and CEO. “The addition of DCS systems reinforces our market position.”
Direct current sintering (DCS) and spark plasma sintering (SPS) are in a class of non-conventional sintering techniques. The difference being DCS utilizes a steady electric current and SPS a pulsed current.
DCS has multiple commercial applications. Like SPS, heat is generated internally as opposed to conventional methods of materials densification such as hot pressing, wherein the heat is external to the sample. While traditional methods of materials processing require hours to reach peak temperature, SPS and DCS take only minutes. The clear benefits are the significant saving of time and energy and the ability to retain nano-structures.
Thermal Technology’s SPS and DCS systems are designed with highly rigid four post press frames, an extra large working chamber and large access doors. The flexible footprint accommodates users’ spatial limitations while the advanced power supply provides unequaled adjustability and heat rates greater than 1500°C per minute. Digital servo valve controlled hydraulics insure ultra-fine force control, while programming and data acquisition are accomplished using an on or off-line PC system.
Edited by: Paul Whittaker, Editor ipmd.net, [email protected]
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