Isostatic Pressure Spark Plasma Sintering (IP-SPS) Net Shaping Of Components Using Nanostructured Materials

Brief Description

A novel manufacturing process that shapes complex components from nanostructured materials using a combination of pressure, heat, and electricity.

Full Description

This technology involves a method and system for forming consolidated components with complex shapes from nanostructured, ultrafine grained, or microstructured materials. The process includes placing a preformed component in a chamber surrounded by a medium, then applying pressure and either heat or electricity to shape the component precisely. This method significantly improves upon traditional sintering and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) techniques, offering a faster, more efficient path to creating high-strength, complex-shaped components.

Suggested uses

• Aerospace: Manufacturing of complex, high-strength components for aircraft and spacecraft. 
• Biomedical: Creation of customized, durable medical implants and devices. 
• Automotive: Production of lightweight, high-performance parts for vehicles. 
• Defense: Development of advanced materials for military hardware with enhanced properties. 
• Electronics: Fabrication of components with precise dimensions and superior properties for electronic devices.

Advantages

• Enables the shaping of complex components from advanced materials with precise control.
• Reduces processing time compared to conventional sintering and HIP methods.
• Limits grain growth, preserving the mechanical and physical properties of nanostructured materials.
• Eliminates the need for metal capsules or cans required in traditional HIP, simplifying the process.
• Applicable to a wide range of materials, including metals, ceramics, and composites.

Patent Status