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34 TECHNOLOGY SEP/OCT 2025 FDM ASIA | www.fdmasia.com

Needpix.com is attributable to the direct heating of the compressed powder
The technology is characterised by high efficiency, which

materials using high-powered pulsed direct current. The Joule
heat released during the process results in uniform heating,

surface cleaning and activation of individual particles of the
powder mixture.
It is evident that these sintering conditions facilitate the
attainment of a homogeneous and dense structure.
The U-FAST method belongs to the FAST (field-assisted
sintering technology) group. Thanks to its advanced heating
system based on a unique pulse shape, the U-FAST device
achieves better results than other available FAST devices.
Additionally, the pulse duration of less than 1 ms gives

ultrafine WC grains. U-FAST an advantage over SPS devices. Previous tests of
At present, two principal methodologies are employed U-FAST materials have revealed their potential in applications
for the purpose of inhibiting the growth of WC grains. These where other methods cannot achieve the required material
methodologies are the addition of grain growth inhibitors and quality.
the selection of a fast-sintering process.
Standard sintering technology is subject to certain limitations Reasons and Objectives for Conducting Research
in terms of producing composites with ultrafine and nanometric WC-Co carbides are most commonly used in the woodworking

WC grain sizes for cutting-edge applications. These limitations industry as blade materials, inserts for circular saws and
are a result of the process parameters, which include high peripheral milling machines.
temperatures and extended durations. Notwithstanding their extensive utilisation, there remains a
The presence of inhibitors has been demonstrated to have paucity of knowledge concerning their deterioration, particularly
a dual effect on grain growth: whilst they limit the process, they in the context of high-velocity machining of wood-based
concomitantly increase grain hardness and reduce resistance materials.
to brittle fracture. In the process of cutting wood and wood-based products,
Consequently, FAST (field-assisted sintering technique) a number of mechanisms have the potential to contribute to
sintering methods are employed, utilising pulses of electric the deterioration of cutting tools.

current for the purpose of heating. This technique facilitates In the context of wear mechanisms, the most prevalent
the synthesis of powder materials at comparatively low include abrasion, erosion, cracking, splintering, micro-cracking,
temperatures and in a relatively brief timeframe. chemical corrosion, and oxidation.
The process under discussion is innovative in nature and Cracking instigates sudden or catastrophic failure of the
is characterised by a reduction in energy consumption and cutting edge, while other wear mechanisms engender gradual
an acceleration in the consolidation process. In addition, it or progressive wear. The chemical wear of WC-Co blades has
exhibits a low energy consumption ratio, ranging from one- been the subject of study in the following work.

fifth to one-third of that observed in conventional sintering Wear was found to occur as a result of preferential
techniques. dissolution of the cobalt binder by chemical attack of the