Oscillating-Pressure Spark Plasma Sintering Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional spark plasma sintering equipment applies static and constant pressure, which limits material densification and mechanical property improvement due to particle agglomeration and pore removal inefficiencies. Additionally, oscillating pressure sintering equipment uses external-resistance heating, leading to longer sintering times and grain growth.
Innovation Solution
The oscillating-pressure-and-spark-plasma combined sintering equipment employs an overlay mode of dual hydraulic systems for precise pressure control, combining the rapid sintering and grain growth suppression of spark plasma sintering with the densification promotion of oscillating sintering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If static and constant pressure is applied in spark plasma sintering, then the sintering process is simple to control, but material densification and mechanical property improvement are limited due to particle agglomeration and pore removal inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static pressure system into a dynamic one by superimposing oscillating pressure on the static pressure base. The oscillating pressure varies with time according to a controlled waveform, creating dynamic pressure conditions that enhance particle rearrangement and pore elimination while maintaining overall pressure control simplicity through independent parameter adjustment of oscillation amplitude and frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic oscillating pressure action superimposed on the static pressure. The oscillating pressure applies periodic cyclic loading and unloading to the green body, which promotes particle rearrangement, breaks particle agglomeration, and enhances pore removal efficiency. The periodic nature of the oscillation allows for controlled material densification while maintaining process simplicity through independent frequency and amplitude parameters
2Manufacturing precision
If oscillating pressure sintering is used, then densification is promoted and grain growth is suppressed, but sintering time increases and grain growth occurs due to external-resistance heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges oscillating pressure sintering with spark plasma sintering technologies. The oscillating pressure component promotes densification and suppresses grain growth, while the spark plasma heating component provides rapid heating and maintains short sintering times. The combination of these two technologies creates a synergistic effect where each compensates for the other's disadvantages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating method parameter from external-resistance heating to spark plasma heating, which fundamentally alters the heating characteristics. Spark plasma heating provides rapid temperature rise and localized heating, which reduces overall sintering time while the oscillating pressure parameter adjustments optimize densification quality and grain structure control
3Speed
If high oscillating frequency is achieved using high-power motor, then the oscillating frequency requirement is met, but energy consumption increases contradicting green manufacturing concepts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a hydraulic system to generate and control the oscillating pressure instead of a high-power motor. The hydraulic system can achieve high oscillating frequencies with lower energy consumption by utilizing fluid pressure and flow control. The electro-hydraulic servo valve precisely controls the hydraulic cylinder to generate the required oscillating motion, reducing energy waste while meeting frequency requirements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables high-density sintering of materials with enhanced mechanical properties, while ensuring energy efficiency and environmental sustainability through precise pressure control and reduced energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-hydraulic servo valve, and a first hydraulic gauge; the three-phase asynchronous motor is connected to the first plunger pump through the electro-hydraulic servo valve
Implementation Method 2
a pulse plasma power control system connected to the upper and lower electrode heads
Implementation Method 3
a lower-positioned oil cylinder, a servo motor hydraulic system and an oscillating pressurized hydraulic system
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses an oscillating-pressure-and-spark-plasma combined sintering equipment and sintering method. By providing a system comprising a mainframe structural system, a servo motor hydraulic system, an oscillating pressurized hydraulic system, a vacuum and inert gas supply system, a pulse plasma power control system, and a mainframe control system, the mainframe structure adopts a pre-tightened frame beam to ensure the strength of the system under oscillation pressure and the stability of the overall structure. The equipment is additionally provided with an oscillation hydraulic system with adjustable frequency and pressure. During the sintering process of workpieces, the oscillation pressure can achieve the slip rearrangement of particles. It adopts an overlay mode of dual hydraulic systems. Therefore, the accuracy of pressure control in the system is ensured.