Novel current-activated tip-based sintering (CATS): Localization of spark plasma sintering

 This paper discusses a novel process (current-activated tip-based sintering (CATS)) for the sintering (1D, 2D and 3D) of macro-, micro- and nano-scale features. In CATS, electric current and contacting pressure are applied selectively to the powder through a conducting tip, to enforce local spark plasma sintering conditions. The present work discusses this new process within the framework of macro- and micro-scale sintering. Results show the successful localized sintering of nickel powder beneath both a stationary and moving tip.