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Induction hot pressing furnace for Silicon Nitride CeramicsInduction hot pressing furnace for Silicon Nitride CeramicsInduction hot pressing furnace for Silicon Nitride Ceramics

Induction hot pressing furnace for Silicon Nitride Ceramics

    Vacuum hot press furnaces are widely used in materials science research, including new alloys, functional ceramics, and nanomaterials

This equipment integrates vacuum/atmosphere, hot pressing, and high-temperature sintering, making it suitable for high-temperature thermal forming of new materials such as powder metallurgy and functional ceramics. Applications include vacuum sintering of transparent ceramics, industrial ceramics, and alloys composed of refractory metals, as well as high-temperature sintering of ceramic materials like silicon carbide and silicon nitride. It can also be used for heat treatment of powders or green bodies at temperatures below the melting point of the main components, aiming to enhance strength through metallurgical bonding between particles. 

The device features an advanced and rational structural design, complying with relevant national and industry standards. It meets user requirements with excellent energy-saving performance, ease of use, operation, and maintenance. Its aesthetic design is both safe and reliable, with excellent after-sales service. The supporting products and components are at an internationally advanced level, capable of accommodating long-term, stable, safe, and reliable production needs. 

Product Features:

1. Vacuum environment and atmosphere control

Vacuum sintering: The furnace chamber can maintain a high vacuum, usually up to 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻⁶ mbar, which is suitable for sintering materials that are not resistant to oxidation, such as metals, alloys and some ceramic materials.

Controlled atmosphere: Protective or inert gases (such as argon, nitrogen, etc.) can be introduced to avoid oxidation of materials or unnecessary chemical reactions with air.

2. High temperature and precise temperature control

High temperature sintering capability: It can usually provide temperatures up to 2000°C or higher, which is suitable for sintering high melting point materials such as ceramics, cemented carbide, etc.

Precise temperature control: It can achieve precise temperature rise and fall control, and achieve a uniform temperature field in the furnace through a multi-zone heating system to ensure that the sintered sample is evenly heated and avoid material defects caused by temperature gradients.

3. Pressure application function

Hot pressing sintering: It can apply high pressure (usually several tons to tens of tons) during high temperature sintering, so that the material is heated and densified by pressure, reducing the pores in the sintered body and improving the mechanical strength and density of the material.

Adjustable pressure: The hot press system can accurately control the applied pressure to adapt to the process requirements of different materials. The application of pressure is usually completed through a hydraulic or mechanical system to ensure stable pressure throughout the sintering process.

4. Multifunctional sintering mode

Constant temperature hot pressing sintering: After the material reaches the target temperature, it maintains a stable temperature and pressure for a period of time to achieve full sintering.

Heating and pressurizing synchronization: Applying pressure while heating can start to densify the material at a low temperature and reduce the sintering time.

Timed heating and cooling: The equipment can control heating and cooling according to the set process curve to reduce the thermal stress and cracking risk of the material.

5. Automation and intelligent control

Automated process control: The equipment is usually equipped with PLC (programmable logic controller) and HMI (human-machine interface), which can program and control parameters such as temperature, pressure, vacuum degree, etc. during the sintering process to achieve high-precision process control and repeatable operation.

Data recording and monitoring: It can record parameters such as temperature, pressure, atmosphere, etc. during the entire sintering process, which is convenient for subsequent process analysis and optimization.

6. High-efficiency design

Energy-saving heating system: adopts efficient resistance heating or induction heating system, which can heat up quickly and save energy.

Excellent thermal insulation performance: the inner wall of the furnace usually adopts high-temperature refractory materials or graphite insulation layer, which can reduce heat loss, improve heating efficiency and extend the life of the furnace.

7. Material compatibility

Applicable to a variety of materials: vacuum hot pressing sintering furnace can be used for sintering of a variety of materials, such as ceramics, metal powders, cemented carbide, composite materials, etc., especially suitable for the densification of high melting point difficult to sinter materials.

Compatible with a variety of molds: the equipment can be compatible with a variety of different mold designs to meet the sintering requirements of different sizes, shapes and materials.

8. Uniform pressurization and densification

Uniform pressure: the pressure system design ensures that the material is uniformly pressed in all directions during the sintering process to ensure the density and uniformity of the sintered body.

Reduce porosity: through hot pressing sintering, the porosity of the sintered body can be significantly reduced, and the density of the material can be close to the theoretical density.

9. Flexibility and Customizability

Multiple size options: Vacuum hot pressing sintering furnaces can choose different furnace sizes according to specific production needs to adapt to the sintering of products of different specifications.

Customizable functions: According to special process requirements, the equipment can be customized to meet different sintering parameter requirements, such as higher temperature, pressure or atmosphere control.

10. Safety and durability

Safety design: Equipped with multiple safety protection functions, such as over-temperature protection, pressure safety valve, and automatic monitoring of the vacuum system to ensure safe operation of the equipment.

Strong durability: The equipment material is resistant to high temperature and corrosion, stable and reliable in long-term use, and reduces maintenance and downtime.

 

Purchase information:

If you are interested in our vacuum hot press furnace, please contact us for more information and quotes.

Contact number: 156 3719 8390

Email: shirley@cysitech.com

Contact person: shirley

WeChat: 18736046549

 

Technical parameter: 

Product Name

vacuum hot press furnace

Product model

CY-2400

Maximum Temperature

2400℃ (Working   Temperature 2300℃)

Heating Method

Intermediate   frequency induction heating

Equipment Structure

Vertical horizontal   side discharge

Plunger Diameter

Φ80mm

Maximum Pressure

5T (Digital display,   automatic pressure regulation, automatic pressure holding)

Pressure Stroke

0–100mm (Starting   distance 250mm)

Pressurization   Method

Unidirectional   pressurization

Hydraulic Control

Proportional valve   with overpressure protection (automatic and manual)

Pressure Fluctuation

≤±5KG

Displacement   Accuracy

 0.02mm

Vacuum System

Diffusion pump +   mechanical pump + ultra-high vacuum valve

Pressure Rise Rate

≤1 Pa/h

Working Dimensions

Φ100*100mm

Ultimate Vacuum

6*10^-3 Pa (for   furnace, purification, and no load)

Heating Rate

1-15℃/M

Temperature   Measurement System

Tungsten-rhenium   thermocouple + infrared thermometer (Fluke, USA)

Available Gases

Nitrogen, argon

Control System

PLC + touch screen   full automatic control system, one-button operation

Temperature   Instrument

Japanese Tain   Electric temperature control instrument

Temperature Sensor

Tungsten-rhenium   thermocouple

Total Power

30KW

Cooling Protection

Water shortage alarm   protection system

Alarms and Protections

Alarms and   protections for overtemperature, water shortage, overcurrent, overpressure,   disconnection, etc.

Footprint

Length × Width ≈   200026001900

Transportation   Dimensions

2100 deep × 1400   wide × 1800 high (including main unit, control cabinet, chiller)

Total weight

3T

 

Main parts: 

Name

Description

Main machine

Induction hot pressing furnace

Pressurization System

The press machine consists of columns and upper   and lower crossbeams. The pressurization oil cylinder is fixed on the crossbeam,   and the furnace body is supported on the furnace frame, fixed to the lower   crossbeam. The crossbeam is rigorously machined to ensure the precision of   the pressing head.

The pressurization system is composed of a   hydraulic station, pressurization oil cylinder, pressure sensor, and   pressurization displacement sensor, controlled by an electromagnetic valve   through a control system. The displacement sensor uses a grating ruler   (measuring accuracy ±0.02mm). The instrument can manually adjust the pressurization   pressure or automatically adjust it, achieving constant pressure and pressure   maintenance.

Water Cooling System

The water cooling system consists of an   industrial chiller, inlet pipe, return pipe, electric contact pressure gauge,   valves, and pipelines. It supplies cooling water to the vacuum unit, furnace   body, heating electrodes, etc. The water cooling system is connected to the   control system; when water pressure is low, it automatically triggers an   audible and visual alarm and cuts off the heating power to ensure equipment   safety. The backup water device is to be provided by the customer, with a   backup water flow rate of ≥15m³/h. (Since the vacuum furnace operates under   high vacuum and high temperature, cooling water equipment such as chillers   and cooling towers is necessary.)

Vacuum System

The vacuum system consists of a diffusion pump,   a mechanical pump, a high-vacuum butterfly valve, vacuum gauge tube, vacuum   pressure gauge, vacuum vent valve, and vacuum piping, with a charging   interface reserved. To reduce furnace body vibration, the connection between   the vacuum pipeline and the pump uses a metal bellows. Vacuum measurement is   performed by a digital compound vacuum gauge.

Random accessory

Relevant auxiliary tools, such as O-rings,   molds, various standard parts, and spare parts, etc.

User manual

One piece

 

Application fields:

1.Ceramic Materials

Structural ceramics: High-strength and high-hardness ceramics such as silicon nitride, silicon carbide, and aluminum oxide, used for cutting tools, wear-resistant parts, and thermal barrier coatings in high-temperature and high-strength applications.

Functional ceramics: Such as piezoelectric ceramics, magnetic ceramics, and dielectric ceramics, used in sensors, electronic components, and energy storage devices.

Transparent ceramics: Suitable for applications requiring high transparency, like laser windows, optical lenses, and armor protection materials.

2.Hard Metal Materials

Used to manufacture wear-resistant, high-strength, and high-hardness hard metal materials, such as tungsten-cobalt alloys and titanium-aluminum alloys, widely applied in cutting tools, drilling equipment, and molds. Hot pressing and sintering can significantly improve the density of hard metals, enhancing their impact resistance and wear resistance.

3.Metal and Alloy Materials

Refractory metals: High melting point metals such as tungsten, tantalum, and molybdenum, mainly applied in aerospace, nuclear industries, and electronic components that require high-temperature performance.

Titanium alloys: Known for good biocompatibility and corrosion resistance, often used in medical implants and aerospace structural components.

Powder metallurgy: Vacuum hot pressing can enhance the density and mechanical properties of powder metallurgy parts, suitable for manufacturing complex-shaped, high-temperature, and corrosion-resistant metal components.

4.Composite Materials

Metal matrix composites: Such as aluminum-based and titanium-based composites, commonly used in manufacturing lightweight, high-strength structural components in aerospace and automotive industries.

Ceramic matrix composites: Such as silicon carbide fiber-reinforced ceramic composites, applied in high-temperature and wear-resistant structural components in aerospace and defense sectors.

Functionally graded materials: Composites prepared in a vacuum hot press can be adjusted in structure and performance as needed, suitable for engineering applications requiring graded properties.

5.Superhard Materials

Diamond and cubic boron nitride (cBN): Used to make superhard tools, drilling equipment, grinding tools, etc. A hot press can ensure high density and structural integrity of the materials.

Composite superhard materials: Such as diamond/ceramic composites, possessing extremely high hardness and wear resistance, suitable for use in extreme conditions.

6.Electronic Materials

Conductive materials: Such as silver and copper, used for preparing conductive layers and interconnects in electronic devices.

Magnetic materials: Iron-based and cobalt-based alloys, widely used in high-performance magnetic components and electronic devices.

Thermoelectric materials: Such as bismuth telluride, commonly used to manufacture thermoelectric generators and coolers. Hot pressing can improve the conductivity and thermoelectric conversion efficiency of these materials.

7.Energy Materials

Solid electrolyte materials: Used in solid-state batteries, significantly enhancing battery energy density and safety. Vacuum hot pressing can ensure high density and ionic conductivity of solid electrolyte materials.

Lithium-ion battery materials: Sintering of electrode and separator materials can improve the energy density, power output, and cycle life of lithium-ion batteries.

8.Biomedical Materials

Bioceramics: Such as hydroxyapatite (HA), used in making orthopedic implants and dental materials. Hot pressing can improve mechanical properties and biocompatibility.

Biometal materials: Such as titanium alloys, suitable for human implants and medical devices.

9.Aerospace

High-performance composites and refractory metals and their alloys are commonly used to manufacture critical aerospace components like engine parts, nozzles, and missile heads, requiring materials with high-temperature strength, wear resistance, and lightweight properties.

10.Defense and Military Industry

Protective armor materials: Ceramic matrix composite armor materials, such as silicon carbide and aluminum oxide, are widely used in military vehicles and personal protective equipment, offering high hardness and ballistic performance.

Weapon components: Hot press furnaces can be used to manufacture high-strength, high-temperature weapon components, such as cannon liners and missile components.

11.Research and Material Development

Vacuum hot press furnaces are widely used in materials science research, including new alloys, functional ceramics, and nanomaterials. By adjusting sintering parameters (temperature, pressure, atmosphere, etc.), new material performance can be explored and optimized.

 

Application Case (Preparation of Silicon Nitride Ceramics)

The preparation of silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) ceramics using a vacuum rapid hot press furnace typically involves the following main steps:

 

1.Raw Material Preparation 

Silicon Nitride Powder: High-purity silicon nitride powder is needed as the main raw material, often chosen in ultrafine form (submicron or nanoscale) to achieve a denser sintering effect.

Sintering Aids: To facilitate sintering, additives such as aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃), or magnesium oxide (MgO) are usually added. These aids help lower the sintering temperature and improve the density and mechanical properties of the material.

Mixing and Granulation: The silicon nitride powder and sintering aids are uniformly mixed and then granulated to ensure even distribution, often using ball milling for mixing.

2.Pre-Press Molding

The mixed powder is placed into a mold and pre-pressed using cold isostatic pressing or uniaxial pressing methods. This process increases the density and uniformity of the powder, preparing it for the subsequent hot pressing. 

3.Placement in Vacuum Rapid Hot Press Furnace 

Vacuum Environment Setup: The pre-pressed body is placed in the vacuum rapid hot press furnace, and a vacuum pump is activated to remove air from the furnace chamber, preventing oxidation or other adverse reactions at high temperatures. The vacuum level is typically maintained between 10⁻⁴ and 10⁻⁶ mbar.

Simultaneous Heating and Pressure Application: The temperature is gradually increased to approximately 1600°C to 1800°C while simultaneously applying pressure (usually 20-50 MPa). The rapid hot press furnace allows for simultaneous heating and pressurization, reducing sintering time.

4.Isothermal Sintering

The material is held at the target temperature and pressure for a specific duration (typically 30 minutes to several hours, adjusted based on material requirements and equipment performance). This process densifies the silicon nitride particles, allowing the sintering aids to flow in the liquid phase at high temperatures, effectively filling the gaps between particles to form dense silicon nitride ceramics.

 5.Cooling and Annealing

After sintering, the cooling rate needs to be controlled, usually by gradually lowering the temperature to avoid thermal stress and cracking. The cooling process can occur under vacuum or nitrogen protection.

In some cases, annealing at lower temperatures may be performed to further relieve internal stress and improve the material's microstructure.

 6.Extraction and Subsequent Processing

Once cooled to room temperature, the silicon nitride ceramic is removed from the furnace. Typically, the ceramic exhibits high hardness and density.

Depending on specific requirements, further processing such as machining or polishing may be conducted to achieve the desired dimensions and surface quality.

 7.Performance Testing

Finally, the silicon nitride ceramic undergoes performance testing to check key indicators such as density, hardness, fracture toughness, and flexural strength, ensuring that the material meets the expected performance standards.

 Key Process Points:

Vacuum Environment: Prevents oxidation of silicon nitride at high temperatures.

Rapid Hot Press Technology: Reduces sintering time and minimizes grain growth through rapid heating and simultaneous pressure application.

Sintering Aids: Optimize the sintering process, lower the sintering temperature, and enhance density.


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