Efficient Sintering Equipment for the Production of Engineering Ceramics
Based on an integrated definition of “efficiency”, this article explains concepts and principles useful for the realization and improvement of high-efficiency sintering equipment. Real industrial applications and plants are cited for further clarification. In addition, a report is given on the most important ongoing developments that will lead to continuing progress in the efficiency of modern sintering technology.
Introduction
In ceramic technology, the process step “sintering” effects the consolidation of powdered material, generating a solid body with properties that are influenced significantly by this process step. Hence the product quality is affected by sintering to a large extent. But in most cases sintering is also the process step with the highest energy consumption in the value-added chain [1]. It contributes substantially to the fact that a major part (approx. 68 %!) of energy consumed in industry is usedf or processing heat [2]. Moreover the technology required for sintering is frequently complex and expensive, especially in the field of engineering ceramics. These brief considerations already indicate the huge relevance of the efficient design of the process step “sintering”. But what is “efficient sintering”?
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