What is SINTERMAT?
SINTERMAT is an innovative start-up that imagines and designs the materials of tomorrow. Born from a decade of meticulous research at the University of Burgundy, this company has taken strides to redefine material science. Established in 2016 by researcher Foad Naimi, SINTERMAT specializes in Flash Sintering – also known as Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) – a breakthrough process in powder metallurgy. In essence, SINTERMAT is at the forefront of creating augmented materials derived from both industrial and natural raw materials. With a dynamic and experimental approach, the company develops high-performance materials tailored for sectors ranging from aeronautics and defense to luxury and energy. The process has even been applied to numerous fields such as health and industrial tooling, marking SINTERMAT’s presence as both innovative and impactful.
Main Benefit
SINTERMAT’s cutting-edge technique not only brings industry a new level of performance and reliability, but it also supports sustainability. The technology is praised for its ability to create materials with exceptional properties like high resistance, improved hardness, and lightweight design—all while adhering to eco-friendly practices. The start-up’s work has been exceptionally productive and recognized in key industry circles. Key figures include:
- Year of Creation: 2016
- Employees: 25
- Prototypes Produced: +100
- Patents: +10
- Machines in Operation: 8
Innovative Manufacturing Process
The cornerstone of SINTERMAT’s success is its innovative process derived from powder metallurgy. Using Flash Sintering, the company turns metallic, composite, and natural powders into augmented materials with unparalleled performance characteristics. This process involves compacting the material into powder form and then traversing it with an electric current – a method that creates parts with near net or even net shape tolerances. It may sound technical, but essentially, it means that the finished pieces are remarkably precise. The technology is adaptable; it works effortlessly with conductive materials, magnetic materials, metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, biomaterials, and more. This versatility allows the process to be implemented broadly across various industries, ensuring that performance is never compromised.
Sustainable and Eco-responsible Approach
In an era where sustainability is not just an option but a necessity, SINTERMAT stands out by embracing an eco-responsible approach to manufacturing. The company manages to reconcile industrial production with environmental care by recycling industrial scraps—those parts once considered waste—and repurposing them into new, reliable materials. Its process also recycles natural or bio-sourced materials, such as wood, plants, leather, and even oyster shells. This dual focus on innovation and sustainability not only helps in reducing raw material usage but also supports the circular economy through effective recycling and waste valorization. The process is not only highly efficient, but it is also a nod to the future where industrial success and environmental protection go hand in hand…
Transforming Industrial and Natural Raw Materials
One remarkable aspect of SINTERMAT’s operations is its capacity to transform both industrial and natural raw materials into high-performance products. Interested parties in luxury, packaging, aero/defense, and industrial tooling sectors have come to rely on the company’s experimental agility. This advanced approach provides raw material saving and recycling solutions, paving the way for sustainable resource management. By recovering production scraps and transforming them through sintering, SINTERMAT ensures that even materials previously deemed unusable can be given a new lease on life. This transformation process not only optimizes the usage of industrial leftovers but also introduces an innovative take on material design that is as much about performance as it is about care for the environment…
Cutting-Edge Expertise in Material Design
Foad Naimi, the founder of SINTERMAT, plays a crucial role in the start-up’s success with his deep scientific and technical expertise. Holding a PhD in Chemical-Physics from the University of Burgundy, he dedicated 10 years working as the technical manager for the Sintering Platform at Sayens—a Technology Transfer Acceleration Company. His unique knowledge of Flash Sintering/SPS has positioned him as one of Europe’s experts in the field. This level of expertise, combined with a unique machine park and strategic support from renowned public entities such as the Ministry of the Armed Forces and Bpifrance, gives SINTERMAT a competitive edge. The company’s commitment to innovation is clear: not only do they develop state-of-the-art materials, but they also ensure that each process meets the highest standards in both performance and sustainability.
Project Impact
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Expert Collaboration in Métal’Valley
SINTERMAT’s decision to base its operations in Haute Côte d’Or in Venarey-les-Laumes, near Montbard, is significant. Located in the historical cradle of metallurgy, the company is part of Métal’Valley, an association of nine major metallurgical companies including the Vallourec group. This strategic placement not only offers an invaluable heritage of metallurgical expertise but also provides robust support for continuous advancement in material technology. The bustling atmosphere of Métal’Valley encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing, which further fuels the innovative engine that drives SINTERMAT. With such a dynamic backdrop, the start-up continues to flourish, advancing sustainable materials that are set to leave a lasting impact across multiple industries…
