The Technology Centre for Ceramics and Glass Industries (CTCV), in Coimbra, Portugal, operates a PIM pilot plant for the execution of applied research and demonstration projects. The New Materials and Applications Department (NMA), the unit responsible for these activities, is equipped with the state of the art equipment from feedstock compounding to sintering, materials development and product characterization.

Hélio Jorge, Project Manager & Materials Researcher at CTCV, told PIM International,  “Local mature powder technology players, experienced tooling workshops and materials expertise at national universities inspired the setup of this PIM research facility in the late 1990’s. NMA has recently started demonstration activities in fine ceramics (alumina, zirconia and ZTA) and stainless steels, producing small series of shaping tools and automotive parts. Binder systems and metal and ceramic feedstock development has also been a core activity, together with phosphate-based ceramic powders for translucent and electrical applications. One of the present developments is focused on titanium injection moulding, for biomedical and aeronautic applications, whereas CP-Ti and Ti6Al4V process development having reached so far final properties according to ASTM B348 standard for Grade 2 and 5.”

Operating under private contract or public programs, NMA manages and implements projects for companies running or aiming to introduce PIM technology. Detailed information on core activities, resources, a project portfolio and contacts is available on the NMA website.

www.ctcv.pt/nma_eng.html