Advancing Manufacturing with Field-Assisted Sintering

Field-Assisted Sintering (FAS)—also known as Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS)—is revolutionizing the way high-performance materials are produced. California Nanotechnologies, a leader in cutting-edge material solutions, leverages this transformative technique to develop superior materials for aerospace, medical, energy, and industrial applications. By utilizing high-speed, low-temperature sintering, California Nanotechnologies is at the forefront of innovation, helping industries achieve unprecedented material performance.

What is Field-Assisted Sintering?

Field-Assisted Sintering is an advanced powder metallurgy technique that applies direct electrical current and pressureto densify powders into solid materials with exceptional properties. Unlike traditional sintering methods, which require long processing times and high temperatures, FAS works by:

1. Rapid Heating: A pulsed DC current generates localized Joule heating, significantly speeding up the sintering process.
2. Simultaneous Pressure Application: Applying uniaxial pressure enhances densification and reduces porosity.
3. Minimal Grain Growth: The controlled heating and rapid sintering prevent excessive grain coarsening, preserving fine microstructures.
4. Shortened Processing Time: Densification occurs within minutes rather than hours, making FAS an energy-efficient alternative to conventional sintering.

Applications in Advanced Manufacturing

California Nanotechnologies employs Field-Assisted Sintering across various industries to create high-performance materials with superior mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Some of its most impactful applications include:

Metal and Alloy Manufacturing

• Sintering of difficult-to-process metals such as tungsten, molybdenum, and titanium.
• Creation of high-density, fine-grained alloys used in aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications.

Nanostructured Materials

• Maintains nanoscale grain structures for enhanced strength, hardness, and wear resistance.
• Utilized in advanced coatings, high-strength composites, and functional materials.

Tooling and Wear-Resistant Components

• Produces high-density cemented carbides and cermets for cutting tools and industrial wear parts.
• Increases tool lifespan and performance in extreme environments.

Biomaterials and Medical Implants

• Facilitates the sintering of bioceramics, such as hydroxyapatite, used in bone implants.
• Enables the development of custom patient-specific implants with superior biocompatibility.

Why FAS is Transforming Manufacturing

California Nanotechnologies’ expertise in Field-Assisted Sintering offers unmatched advantages over traditional manufacturing methods:

• Reduced Processing Time: Densification occurs in minutes instead of hours or days.
• Lower Energy Consumption: Uses less energy compared to conventional sintering methods.
• Improved Mechanical Properties: Produces stronger, harder, and more wear-resistant materials.
• Custom Material Development: Allows for tailored microstructures and compositions, enabling breakthrough innovations.

Driving Innovation with California Nanotechnologies

With a commitment to pushing the boundaries of materials science, California Nanotechnologies continues to expand the potential of Field-Assisted Sintering in advanced manufacturing. By providing faster, stronger, and more efficient material solutions, the company is helping industries stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape.

From aerospace to medical implants and next-generation energy storage, California Nanotechnologies is unlocking new possibilities through precision-engineered, high-performance materials. As technology advances, the company remains dedicated to delivering innovative sintering solutions that shape the future of manufacturing.

For more information on how California Nanotechnologies can enhance your materials with Field-Assisted Sintering, contact them today.