Cal Nano Services
Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS)

SPS (aka FAST or Field Assisted Sintering Technology) allows for the rapid application of temperature and pressure via high-density pulsed current within a controlled atmosphere. SPS is the ideal consolidation and bonding method for all of your materials including metals, refractory alloys, nanomaterials, ultra-high temp ceramics, and more.

The team here at Cal Nano has over a decade of SPS experience sintering tens of thousands of samples with a wide variety of materials.

Cal Nano SPS/FAST Toll Services:

  • Collaborative R&D, prototyping and pilot-scale production services are available
  • High-quality customer service & quick turnaround times
  • Customers can provide powder or it can be sourced by Cal Nano
  • Sintering available in sizes from ranging from 10 mm to 6" OD

If interested in purchasing your own SPS equipment, please contact us for more information.

Spark Plasma Sintering Podcast

In this video, Cal Nano's CEO discusses Spark Plasma Sintering on the Materialism Podcast. We cover Cal Nano's history with SPS, the latest advancements in the field, and answer important questions about SPS technology. A great listen for those wanting to learn more about how to use SPS for advanced material research and manufacturing

California Nanotechnologies - Intro to Spark Plasma Sintering

Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) is a sintering technique used to fabricate dense and homogeneous bulk materials from powders. It involves the application of pulsed direct current (DC) and uniaxial pressure to the powder within a die. The DC current passes through the powder and generates a plasma discharge between the particles, causing rapid heating and sintering. The SPS process typically takes place in a vacuum or controlled atmosphere environment to prevent oxidation and ensure purity. The temperature, pressure, and heating rate can be precisely controlled during the process, allowing for the fabrication of materials with unique microstructures and properties. SPS has found applications in a variety of fields, including materials science, nanotechnology, and engineering. It is commonly used to fabricate ceramic, metallic, and composite materials with high density, fine grain size, and enhanced mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. SPS has several advantages over traditional sintering methods, such as high heating rates, short processing times, and low sintering temperatures. These advantages result in reduced energy consumption and cost, improved material properties, and increased efficiency in the manufacturing process.

Cal Nano offers an array of unique capabilities for sintering or bonding your materials.

  • Sinter or bond your materials in minutes while minimizing grain growth and retaining complex microstructure
  • Most powders can be densified to 99%+
  • Rapid iteration testing of your materials - cycles can be completed in as a few minutes
  • Multiple inert atmosphere glove boxes for safe and effective powder handling
  • Controlled densification to create porous samples is also possible
  • Bonding of similar and dissimilar materials
  • Near net-shape sintering

R&D Lab Scale SPS system

  • Max Temperature - 2500 C
  • Max Force - 50 kN (5 ton)
  • Max Amperage - 1,500 Amps
  • Max sample size - 1" OD x 1" tall (depending on temperature required)
  • Automated chamber & vacuum systems
  • Inert & forming gas atmosphere capability
  • Manual & automatic cycles

Pilot Scale SPS system

  • Max Temperature - 2500 C
  • Max Force - 1000 kN (100 ton)
  • Max Amperage - 10,000 Amps
  • Max sample size - 6" OD x 4" tall (depending on temperature required)
  • Automated chamber & vacuum systems
  • Inert & forming gas atmosphere capability
  • Manual & automatic cycles



Field Assisted Sintering can be used to consolidate nearly any powdered material you can think of. Here are some but not all of the materials/applications:

  • Batteries - soft & permanent magnets (Nd, FeN, etc.. material)
  • Semiconductors
  • Fine Ceramics
  • Thermoelectrics
  • Functionally Graded Materials
  • Electronics
  • Nanophases
  • Hard Alloy Tools
  • Diamond Tools
  • Biomaterials
  • Porous Materials
  • Molds and Dies