Author:

Abstract:

The field assisted sintering technique (FAST), also known as pulsed electric current sintering (PECS) or spark plasma sintering (SPS), is a very promising technology since high heating rates can be achieved and only short sintering times are needed to obtain fully densified materials. During FAST, a pulsed electric current flows through the tool and/or powder compact producing heat. The temperature field in tool and powder compact largely depends on the thermal and electrical properties of the constituent materials. A good knowledge of the temperature distribution is important for adequate heating control. By using different tool materials, the temperature field in the powder compact can be influenced and a more homogeneous heating can be established. To predict the temperature distribution during FAST, a finite element model of the steel tool/Al-Si-Fe-X alloy compact system was created. The thermal and electrical characteristics of rapidly solidified Al-alloy powder and tool steel were experimentally determined. The validity of the model was verified using experimental results and the temperature distribution in the tool-compact system as well as the accuracy of the temperature control is discussed.