What is Spark Plasma Sintering?
Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS), also known as Field Assisted Sintering Technology (FAST), is a cutting-edge material processing method that uses a pulsed electric current and applied pressure to rapidly densify powders into bulk materials. Unlike conventional sintering techniques, SPS uses a combination of uniaxial pressure and pulsed electric current to achieve rapid heating and densification.
Key aspects of SPS
- Pulsed Electric Current: The current generates Joule heating within the die and sometimes directly within the sample if it is conductive. This results in very fast heating rates.
- Pressure Application: A mechanical load is applied during sintering, which helps eliminate porosity and accelerates densification.
- Short Processing Time: Typical sintering times are much shorter compared to conventional methods, reducing grain growth and preserving nanoscale structures.
Applications of SPS
SPS furnaces are used to manufacture a wide range of advanced materials, including:
- Nanostructured materials – retaining fine grain sizes due to short sintering times.
- Ceramics – such as zirconia, silicon carbide, and alumina with enhanced toughness.
- Metallic and intermetallic compounds – for aerospace and automotive applications.
- Composite materials – including metal–ceramic and ceramic–ceramic composites.
- Functionally graded materials (FGMs) – with tailored properties across a single part.
Advantages of SPS over Conventional Sintering
- Very high heating rates à reduce total processing time.
- Lower sintering temperatures à minimize grain growth and maintain nanostructures.
- High density and uniform microstructure à improve mechanical and functional properties.
- Capability to process difficult-to-sinter materials à including ultra-high-temperature ceramics (UHTCs).
This makes SPS a breakthrough technology in materials engineering, enabling the development of novel materials with superior mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties.
YJL-SPS-1200 Furnace
We are excited to introduce the YJL-SPS-1200, a compact and SPS furnace designed for research and small-scale material development, suitable for battery, thermal, electric, and metallic materials.
Key Features
Pressure & Pressing Die
- Load up to 2000 Kgf
- Pressure control accuracy: +/- 0.5 Kg
- Include one graphite die ID12.75 mm
- pressure: 100 MPa
Vacuum Chamber
- Made of stainless steel
- Inner dimension: Ø315 mm × 315 mm H
- Quartz observation window: Ø120 mm
Temperature Control
- working temperature: 1200 °C
- Heating Rate: 200 °C/minute
- Temperature controller accuracy +/- 1°C
Water Chiller
- One recirculating water chiller included.
- Precision servo motor drive applies up to 2000 Kgf
Why Choose the YJL-SPS-1200?
The YJL-SPS-1200 offers a unique balance of performance, affordability, and compact design, making it an excellent choice for laboratories and research institutes working on advanced materials. With precise pressure control, fast heating, and low cost, this system enables efficient experimentation and small-scale production of high-performance sintered materials.
For more information or other SPS furnaces, please contact contact@accessr-energy.eu
