Pressure Sintering Systems

With our COD pressure sintering systems, you can achieve top cemented carbide quality over and over again. The systems combine two technologies in one machine: Vacuum sintering and hot isostatic pressing of sintered parts.

In addition to the standard pressure ratings of 60 bar and 100 bar, pressure sintering systems with process pressure of 200 bar are available for extremely low-cobalt types of cemented carbide. There is also a special high-temperature version of our pressure sintering systems available, and it is perfect for manufacturing silicon nitride ceramics.

Largely standardized and cost-optimized SSH pressure sintering systems are available for basic applications.

Download data sheet

Contact us

How can we help you?
Talk to us!

COD Systems

These systems can be used for sintering at high gas pressures, which means that the sintered parts can be isostatically redensified. Their most striking feature is therefore the heavy-duty design of the bayonet vessel fittings.

COD pressure sintering systems are cold-wall furnaces with pressure ratings of 60, 100, and 200 bar, with insulation cylinders made of graphite felt and graphite resistance heating elements. They are usually installed horizontally, which makes them easier to load and maintain and limits what is required of the installation sites. COD systems usually feature equipment for dewaxing powder pressed parts, consisting primarily of a graphite bushing to protect the furnace installations from the effects of steam and a condenser in which the pressing additives can be collected and from which they can be drained in a liquid state once the process is complete.

Depending on the size of the furnace in question (from laboratory size to mass production), the systems feature between two and six temperature-control zones, which ensures outstanding temperature uniformity even in the largest systems. Effective rapid cooling systems make for extremely short production times. System operating costs are notably low since the structure and material of the thermal isolation are effective and long-lasting, while gas consumption is minimal thanks to there being very little dead space. Having been put through their paces in well over 200 pressure sintering systems, COD pressure sintering systems feature particularly well developed and reliable control technology. Furthermore, the systems are rigorously tested (including heat testing) prior to delivery and their safety functions inspected by TÜV, a testing organization.

COD Systems for Cemented Carbide

All systems can be supplied with pressure ratings of 60, 100, and 200 bar. There is a wide range of options available for customized system equipment.

COD 433 R

Effective space: approximately 300 x 300 x 600 mm

This system is designed as a pilot system and mounted on a compact base frame. This allows for a very quick turnaround from delivery to handover on the customer’s premises, and it is very easy to move.

COD 533 R

Effective space: approximately 300 x 300 x 1,000 mm

Designed for sintering small production batches. As with the larger systems, its layout is freely configurable and it is broken down into its main components for delivery.

COD 633 R

Effective space: approximately 500 x 500 mm

The shortest system in the production cross-section of approximately 500 x 500 mm shared by all subsequent furnace systems. It has two temperature control zones and is offered with effective lengths of 1,000 or 1,200 mm.

COD 733 R

Effective length: 1,500 or 1,700 mm

It has three heating zones.

COD 733 RL

Effective length: 1,800 to 3,000 mm

Designed for mass production of cemented carbide parts.

Systems with an effective length of 1,800, 2,000, 2,200, or 2,400 mm have four temperature control zones, while those with an effective length of 2,500, 2,700, or 3,000 mm have six. For very long systems with six control zones, there is an option to fit a second condenser channel.
COD Systems for Ceramics

A variant of the pressure sintering systems for cemented carbide, designed for pressure sintering of ceramics at temperatures of up to 1,600 °C. PVA offers these systems both in the conventional vertical format and in a horizontal configuration. The design temperature varies depending on the applicable requirements, but ranges from 1,900 °C to 2,200 °C.
SSH Systems

Unlike the COD pressure sintering systems sold as part of project business, the SSH is a standard pressure sintering system from PVA. Its size and functions are pre-defined by PVA, and there are restrictions on how much it can be customized. Using the same components, materials, suppliers, and assembly team means that there are no compromises in terms of the quality of the SSH system relative to the COD series. The product character of the SSH system dispenses with the customized design and the scope of testing, which is reflected in its affordable price. The SSH system is currently available with an effective length of 1,500 mm and operating pressure of 60 bar. It also features vacuum dewaxing, with H2 dewaxing available as an optional extra.

Download data sheet

PVA vacuum and pressure sintering systems are generally equipped with debinding apparatus that can be used to remove pressing additives cleanly and uniformly from the carbide parts before the parts are exposed to the high temperatures involved in sintering. The debinding technology is adapted to the pressing additives used, while the processes are conducted at positive or negative pressure, with inert gases, or in hydrogen atmospheres. In some cases, the parts are treated with reactive gases in the pre-sintering phase to increase the proportion of carbon in the parts or their barrier layers, for example.

Our systems require only very short process times thanks to their highly effective cooling systems. This is very much appreciated by our customers since it means that they can adapt their furnace processes precisely to fit production shifts.