Method of rapid sintering of ceramics

A method for sintering a ceramic body;

• the method comprising the steps of:
• placing said body into an alternating magnetic field;
• and
• controlling said field to heat said body at a selected temperature for a selected period of time.

A method of sintering a ceramic body;

• the method comprising the following steps:
• a) providing an induction coil connected to a source of radio frequency energy and placing said coil around an evacuatable chamber;
• b) placing said ceramic body within said chamber and within said coil;
• c) evacuating said chamber of air and feeding a gas containing some oxygen into said chamber;
• d) increasing said radio frequency energy until a plasma is formed in said chamber and encompassing said ceramic body;
• e) adjusting said radio frequency energy over a period of time until said ceramic body is fully sintered.

A method of sintering a dental restoration made predominantly of a zirconia-based ceramic material;

• the method comprising the steps of:
• a) placing the dental restoration material into a field in which a plasma can be generated to subject said material to heat and electric field;
• b) adjusting the pressure and chemical environment of said field;
• c) generating said plasma;
• and
• d) controlling said plasma over a selected period of time to fully sinter said dental restoration.