Delivering Precision Vacuum Sintering for Advanced Metal Filters

Lakshmi Vacuum Technologies delivered a precision-engineered bottom-loading vacuum sintering furnace for a reputed Indian manufacturer of porous metal filters used in aerospace, pharma, chemical, and gas applications.

Background

The client is a reputed manufacturer of advanced sintered metal filters used in critical applications such as:

Aerospace and defense
Pharmaceuticals and biotech
Chemical processing
High-purity gas filtration

These filters are made from stainless steel (SS316L, SS310) and nickel-based alloy powders. The powders are compacted into precise geometries and sintered at high temperatures to form porous yet mechanically robust structures for high-purity applications.

Technical Challenge

Maintaining ±3°C temperature accuracy across stacked parts
Preventing oxidation during high-temp sintering (1100–1350°C)
Preserving pore integrity without collapse or over-sintering
Accommodating different filter geometries and batch sizes
Requiring vertical loading for gravity-assisted shape retention

Lakshmi Vacuum's Solution

Lakshmi designed and supplied a BLVSF Series Bottom-Loading Vacuum Sintering Furnace tailored to deliver precision, reproducibility, and structural integrity.

Key Furnace Features

Furnace Type: Bottom-loading, vertical cylindrical
Max Temp: 1250°C with ±5°C uniformity
Hot Zone: Graphite + heat shields
Vacuum Level: 10⁻³ mbar
Backfilling: Argon/Nitrogen inert atmosphere
Loading: Hydraulic, programmable lift
Controls: PLC + SCADA with recipe management
Safety: Overpressure valves, purge cycles, interlocks

Technical Insight: Vacuum Sintering

Debinding and degassing of powder compacts in vacuum
Solid-state diffusion bonding below melting point
Retention of pore size and permeability with improved strength
Oxidation prevention using vacuum or inert gas
Bottom-loading ensures geometry stability and even heating

Customer Validation

Real production trials were conducted with extensive evaluation:

Uniform pore structure across all sintered parts
>98% densification without pore blockage
Consistent geometry and strength
No discoloration or oxidation
Process window control within ±2°C

Long-Term Impact

Precision Sintering: High-quality filters, minimal rejects

Bottom-loading Design: Better ergonomics and stability

Gas Flexibility: Sintering of multiple alloys

Custom PLC-SCADA: Full traceability and repeatable cycles

Reliability: >95% uptime for 2+ years

Why Lakshmi Vacuum?

Deep experience in PM part and filter sintering
Specialized in bottom-loading vacuum systems
Turnkey support: design → training → maintenance
In-house metallurgy and process development

Conclusion

The client scaled up their high-purity metal filter production with complete control, precision, and confidence—thanks to Lakshmi Vacuum’s advanced sintering platform and engineering support. The BLVSF furnace is now a critical part of their world-class production line.