Equipment for simultaneous or near-simultaneous flash sintering and forging

An apparatus for synthesis of a target object through simultaneous or near simultaneous flash sintering and forging, the apparatus comprising:

• a die defining a cavity having a geometry of the target object, wherein the die is non-conductive such that material positioned within the cavity of the die is at least partially insulated from electrical conduction through the die;
• at least one punch configured to exert a pressure upon the material positioned within the cavity defined by the die, wherein the at least one punch is electrically conductive and is configured to direct electric current into the material, wherein the die comprises a guide positioned outside of an electrically-insulated liner, and wherein the guide is electrically connected to the at least one punch such that the guide is energized;
• and
• a control unit configured for at least, during an operational time period:
• causing the electric current to be directed into the material positioned within the cavity via the at least one punch, and
• causing exertion of the pressure upon the material positioned within the cavity through the at least one punch.

An apparatus for synthesis of a target object through simultaneous or near simultaneous flash sintering and forging, the apparatus comprising:

• a die defining a cavity having a geometry of the target object, wherein the die is non-conductive such that material positioned within the cavity of the die is at least partially insulated from electrical conduction through the die;
• at least one punch, wherein the die comprises a guide positioned outside of an electrically-insulated liner, and wherein the guide is electrically connected to the at least one punch such that the guide is energized;
• a furnace configured to generate a furnace environment having a temperature and a gas composition enclosing at least a portion of the die;
• and
• a control unit configured for at least, during an operational time period:
• controlling the temperature and the gas composition of the furnace environment to pre-heat the die and material positioned within the cavity,
• causing, via the at least one punch, electric current to be directed through the material positioned within the cavity, and
• causing, via the at least one punch, exertion of pressure upon the material positioned within the cavity.