In the area of sintering technology both continuous and batch high-temperature furnaces are used.

Continuous Furnaces (pusher or walking-beam) usually have heating elements made of molybdenum or tungsten. This type of furnace is used in sintering processes up to around 3,450°F. The sintering boats, trays and base plates are made of pure molybdenum, or preferably of the PLANSEE high-performance material MLR.

Batch Furnaces for sintering processes are extremely flexible and permit temperatures of up to 4,530°F. Molybdenum- and tungsten-based materials are used for heating elements, heat shields and charge carriers. Such furnaces can be operated under vacuum or with a protective gas atmosphere.

Major Applications:

• Sintering of fuel pellets (UO2 and mixed-oxide) for nuclear power
• Sintering of translucent Al2O3 tubes for lighting technology
• Sintering (firing) of technical ceramics (multi-layer printed circuit boards, IC housings etc.)
• Sintering of rare-earth magnets
• Sintering of tantalum capacitors
• Sintering of metals and ceramics
• Sintering of refractory metals

The PLANSEE USA Product Range:

• Development, design and production of complete hot zones
• Production of sintering boats, base plates, stacking sheets, spacers and charge carriers of molybdenum, TZM and MLR
• Production of molybdenum and tungsten components (heating elements, heat shields, charge racks and accessories)
• Rebuilding and upgrading of existing furnaces
• Components made to customer drawings
• Spare parts and semi-finished products (sheets, wires, rods and fasteners)