Thermal Technology is currently building a 100-ton, 36,000-amp
direct-current sintering (DCS) system for a U.S.-based research organization. The
DCS Model 100-36 will be integral to the study of new ultrahigh-temperature
ceramic composites. 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. 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.
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 benefits are the saving
of time and energy and the ability to retain nanostructures.