As part of the CompoMold research project, intrinsically heatable SiC tool for thermoplastic forming of fiber composites has been developed, which, compared to currently used materials, allows the tool temperature to be changed in just a few seconds. To evaluate suitable materials, tests were initially carried out on various SiC material variants. In addition to optimizing the conductive and non-conductive properties, one focus was on reducing the SiC inherent brittleness. The ceramic composite developed consists of a high-resistance, insulating SiC component enclosing a part made of conductive SiC.

The components were joined under pressure in a hot press. A unit with cooling channels required for cooling as well as the contact points for the power supply were attached by means of AgCuO active braze alloy under high vacuum, so that a ceramic system was developed which, due to its good thermal conductivity and low thermal expansion, works quickly and energy-efficiently. A current of 5 Ampere and a voltage of 100 Volt allow a heating rate of 150 K/min up to 450°C.