Sintering is the process of using high temperature to shape powders into a solid object. The sintering temperature is below the melting point of the material, and the process is carried out in a sintering furnace. This particular furnace type has precisely controlled temperatures, moisture levels, and pressure levels that create a favorable environment for atomic diffusion. Since large surface areas are required for the sintering process, it needs to be carried out in the protective environment of a furnace.
Sintering is a preferred bonding process because it helps maintain high levels of purity in the materials.
While certain basic sintering operations can be carried out in a standard furnace, enterprises often need to invest in a custom furnace for specialized operations. These vacuum/pressure furnace systems have upgraded capabilities. Applications include sintering, de-binding, and densification. These furnaces are typically used with materials such as tungsten carbide and molybdenum that have a very high melting point.
A chemical vapor deposition (CVD) furnace is another commonly used furnace type. A gas and vapor delivery system is an integral part of a CVD furnace system. A CVD furnace may be used with materials such as zinc sulfide, zinc selenide, silicon carbon, pyrolytic carbon, and so on.
Here are some defining attributes of a custom sintering furnace:
1. Choose a furnace that combines other capabilities such as binder removal, pre-sintering, and hot isostatic press densification. This gives you unmatched value for money as it combines several different features into a single furnace.
2. Atmosphere control, partial pressure control, binder traps and condensers, vacuum pumping systems, and so on are vital to the exceptional performance of a furnace used for sintering applications.
3. There are several furnaces that provide advanced features such as multiple zone heating, or six-side heating. These features allow for a superior level of process control, which in turn leads to better uniformity of the final product.
4. Code-compliance is an aspect that simply cannot be ignored. There are several mandates that govern the safety parameters of a furnace. So, make sure that your furnace adheres to standards set by OSHA, CSA and European CE standards, and UL.
Custom sintering furnace manufacturers are also the source of quality industrial autoclave. These pressure vessels are used in a metal heat treating and composite manufacturing. Industrial autoclave need to be tested thoroughly before being commissioned on-site, as they need to bear exceptionally high safety parameters.
While this not a comprehensive list, keeping these basic pointers in mind while investing in a sintering and debinding furnace will ensure better safety and efficiency. A custom furnace from an experienced manufacturer will give you more value for money than any other standard and custom pressure furnace, simply because a custom furnace has been built to suit your exacting specifications.
