Potential applications of hybrid-heated FAST/SPS technology

Field-Assisted/Activated Sintering Technol. (FAST) or Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) has become established esp. at universities and research institutes over the last 25 years. This is because it offers an efficient and fast possibility for consolidation, leading to complete sintering within a few minutes. With this technique, new materials and material concepts like nanomaterials, non-equil. composites, transparent ceramics and functionally graded materials can be easily, fast and completely sintered, ensuring an efficient testing procedure compared to other processes. Because of this, in most cases cylindrical samples with small vols. are produced.