Sintering

Stage 1
Ceramic components, once formed are placed in a high temperature kiln for densification

Stage 2
The kiln is heated up evenly and at a certain temperature, densification will occur when porosity is reduced or eliminated and grains within the ceramic will grow. The parts will typically shrink by about 20%

Stage 3
The kiln will cycle through a predefined temperature – time profile and once back at ambient temperature, the ceramic components can be removed