SANTA ROSA, Calif., March 9, 2012 — Thermal Technology is currently building a 100-ton, 36,000 amp direct current sintering (DCS) system for a domestic research organization. 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. 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. Benefits include significant time and energy savings, and the ability to retain material grain structures. The latter is an especially important feature when processing nano-structure materials.

Thermal Technology designed their SPS and DCS systems with highly rigid four post press frames, an extra large working chamber and large access doors. The flexible footprint accommodates users’ spatial limitations. Furthermore, 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. And programming and data acquisition are accomplished using an on or off-line PC system providing complete monitoring of force, displacement, temperature and time.

Thermal Technology is a global manufacturer of advanced thermal processing systems. Their product line includes crystal growth technology, hot presses and SPS systems, and high temperature vacuum and controlled atmosphere laboratory and production furnaces for the advanced processing of metals, ceramics, glass, quartz and crystal growing applications. They have over 60 years of experience and more than 3000 installations in 40 countries.