SANTA ROSA, Calif., October 31, 2011 — Thermal Technology recently received orders for a 10-ton, 4,000AMP Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) system and a high temperature laboratory furnace from the Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials (ISEM) at the University of Wollongong in Australia. The machines will be integral to ISEM’s interdisciplinary research programs on superconductors and electronic and energy materials science and technology. For instance, this includes energy storage, transmission, efficiency, and conservation.
Sima Aminorroaya, Ph.D., a researcher in ISEM’s Energy Storage Group, indicated that much thought went into their equipment selection. “We were looking for a technologically sound design. We wanted a machine that offered high repeatability and was backed by savvy engineers who understood our applications. Thermal Technology stood out,” says Aminorroaya.
“I am proud that the University of Wollongong chose Thermal Technology equipment for their pivotal energy storage research,” says Matt Mede, Thermal Technology president and CEO. “Thermal Technology has dominated the domestic SPS market since 2008. That’s because our high temperature furnaces are known for their history of superior performance. “
Thermal Technology designs their SPS systems with highly rigid four post press frames, an extra large working chamber and large access doors. Not to mention, the flexible footprint accommodates users’ spatial limitations. And 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. Lastly, the on- or offline PC system helps simplify programming and data acquisition.
The high temperature laboratory furnace, as specified by Xun (Joe) Xu, Australian Research Council (ARC) Postdoctoral Fellow (APDI) at ISEM, is the Model 1000-2560-FP20. Its graphite hot zone reaches 2900°C. Thermal Technology designed it to operate in inert gas or rough vacuum. Furthermore, it has an optional muffle tube assembly for oxidizing atmospheres.
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.
