nir-vana innovation network

Flash or Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) is a process for shaping materials that makes it possible to achieve unique combinations of materials, size and mechanical characteristics, with a reduced manufacturing cycle, at a competitive cost compared to forging or casting processes. Indeed, SPS is a process involving powder metallurgy. The SPS works with all types of materials: conductive materials, magnetic materials, metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, biomaterials: - Overcoming the current level of performance of high-tech materials while significantly reducing cycle times - Reduced development times compared to traditional processes (rapid prototyping, 1st series ) - Reducing the environmental impact across the value chain: fostering material recycling, enhanced energy efficiency, near net shape - The SPS process makes it possible to optimize the sizing of the parts (weight gain) It provides a clear technology breakthrough for aerospace applications - Use of a wider range of powder particle sizes than additive manufacturing - The process allows great latitude in the use of more refractory material compositions that are difficult to cast or forge (Ni bases) - The process must also make it possible to produce metallic matrix composites. The French start-up is an expert in developing this technology and for the aerospace sector it is able to sinter the following materials as an example: stainless steels, Ni based, Ti based, superalloys, refractory metals, metal matrix composites. Structural parts can be developed and produces with custom-controlled properties according to specifications for instance : - Durability of parts - Life extension - Lightening of the structure - Increase in mechanical performance - Resistance to high temperatures The dimensions range from 5mm to 350mm in diameter. The French start-up offers to join ambitious R&D programs with aerospace and defense big industrial players under technological cooperation to: - Develop new products prepared by SPS technology from augmented materials natural and industrial - Develop & improve the SPS process and make parts of complex shapes. The go-to-market follows 3 stages: Design & feasibility study, Prototyping (small series) and Production (large series).