'This system represents another milestone for our SPS product line,' says Matt Mede, Thermal Technology president and CEO.  'Our open component design lends itself to such a project.  Only relatively minor engineering adjustments are required to accommodate a glove box that is fully flexible per the user's requirements. '

This SPS fitted with a glove box will allow the customer to conduct pioneering research into advanced fabrication methods for future high performance nuclear fuels.

SPS has multiple commercial applications.  SPS technology is in a class of non-conventional sintering techniques, because heat is generated internally as opposed to conventional methods of materials densification such as hot pressing, wherein the heat is external to the sample. While traditional methods of materials processing require hours to reach peak temperature, SPS takes only minutes.  The clear benefits are the significant saving of time and energy and the ability to retain material grain structures; the latter being an important feature when processing nano-structure materials.

Thermal Technology's SPS systems are designed with highly rigid four post press frames, an extra large working chamber and large access doors.  The flexible footprint accommodates users' spatial limitations while the advanced power supply provides unequaled adjustability and heat rates greater than 1500°C per minute.  Digital servo valve controlled hydraulics insure ultra-fine force control, while programming and data acquisition are accomplished using an on or off-line PC system.

Thermal Technology is a global manufacturer of advanced thermal processing systems including crystal growth technology, hot presses and spark plasma sintering systems, and high temperature vacuum and controlled atmosphere laboratory and production furnaces for the advanced processing of metals, ceramics, glass, quartz and crystal growing applications.   Thermal Technology has over 60 years of experience and more than 3000 installations in 40 countries.