The first generation of SPS sintering technology was introduced to Europe in 1998, with Stockholm University in Sweden being the first customer. Over the years there have been a number of significant development steps based on the first design: most importantly, a new Pulse generator technology and an additional new method to generate Force have been developed, which has allowed for more flexible and cost-effective systems. Developments within electronics, computers and programming have made the operation and control of SPS apparatus much easier and safer.
Unique New Features
Now, in addition to the functions of a conventional SPS systems, the SPS 2000 offers a range of new and unique control-of-operation features:
- Selectable pre/post-sintering process modes: additional modes for controlling the sintering process.
- De-gassing mode: de-gassing of impurities in powders by using vacuum and heating during additional steps inside the SPS chamber before sintering starts.
- Rapid cooling mode: a new cooling mechanism that blows cooling gas onto the die after sintering.
- Selectable Wave Forms: in addition to DC Pulse now also Continuous DC and Full Wave DC.
- Fine force control down to 200 N allows for very small sample sizes of expensive and/or hard-to-produce powders.
- High vacuum to 0.0005 Pa with Diffusion or Turbomolecular pumps.
Selectable pre/post sintering process modes
In addition to the regular sintering control, the following modes can be selected and automatically controlled in a series of operations (read further under “De-gassing mode” and “Rapid cooling mode”):
De-gassing mode
SPS 2000 is the only SPS system that incorporates the DEGAS mode (powder cleaning step):
Rapid cooling mode
Rapid cooling of die/punch/sample after sintering:
Selectable Wave Forms
Originally SPS technology operated with ON/OFF pulses, which could trigger sparks between powder grains. This is the fundamental principle of the success of SPS over conventional sintering techniques.
Now our SPS 2000 introduces two new waveforms: Continuous DC and Full Wave DC. In short this means that the second half of each period, which is negative in voltage sign, is inverted to positive voltage. Initial experiments indicate that this gives a new tool to fine tune optimal parameters for high entropy materials, for example mixtures of many different types of powders.
Block diagram
Dimensions
DC Pulse Generator Upgrade
The SPS 2000 is easily upgraded to higher sintering power. The pulse generator can add modules of 500 A up to a maximum of 3000 A. The internal design is ready-made for the highest current: bus-bars, cables, connectors or other components do not need to be changed.
Overview of features
Specifications
| Model | SPS 2000-3T | SPS 2000-5T | SPS 2000-7T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. pressure | 30kN | 50kN | 70kN | |
| Min. pressure | 0.2kN (20kgf) | |||
| SPS current | 1000A | 2000A | 3000A | |
| Stroke | 150mm (open height: 200mm) | |||
| Max. temperature | 2500°C (working temp. 2200°C) | |||
| Pressurization system | AC Servo motor | |||
| DC Pulse control | ON/1~999ms OFF/1~99ms | |||
| Vacuum chamber | Rectangular-shaped water-cooled system | |||
| Vacuum speed | 2Pa / 5 min | |||
| Weight | Main unit | 600kg | 725kg | 850kg |
| RP pump | 27kg | |||
| High vacuum | DP (Diffusion Pump) | ≦ 5 × 10−4 Pa |
|---|---|---|
| TMP (Turbo molecular pump) | ||
| Radiation thermometer | For temperatures above 600°C | |
| PC for data logger | Windows notebook with mounting arm | |
| Chiller | for cooling water | |
| Model | SPS 2000-3T | SPS 2000-5T | SPS 2000-7T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPS current (standard) | 1000A | 2000A | 3000A | |
| Rated input | Power supply | 3 ϕ 200/380/400/480±10% 50/60Hz | ||
| 18.2kVA | 32.2kVA | 46.2kVA | ||
| Input cable | Length: 5m (User’s side is unconnected) | |||
| Exhaust duct | Port | NW25(KF25) Flange | ||
| Required space (inclusive of maintenance space) |
W1300×D1600×H2500 mm | |||
| Cooling water | Water amount | ≧10L/min | ||
| Supply pressure | 0.2~0.3MPa (back pressure ≦ 0.05Mpa) |
|||
| Temp. | 15~30°C | |||
| Port. | Rc3/8 | |||
| Compressed air | Supply pressure | 0.5~0.8MPa | ||
| Port | Rc1/8 | |||
Video Demonstrations
A series of three video demonstrations of the SUGA SPS 2000, with Dr. Lars Hälldahl, PhD.
1. SUGA SPS 2000 – Introduction
2. SUGA SPS 2000 – Chamber demonstration
3. SUGA SPS 2000 – Touch panel demonstration
4. SUGA SPS 2000 – The degassing function
Additional Information
Downloadable PDF:
Link to SUGA Product Page: