Course: Hot Isostatic Pressing

Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) is a process to densify powders or cast and sintered parts in a furnace at high pressure (100-200 MPa) and at temperatures from 900 to 1250°C for example for steels and superalloys. The gas pressure acts uniformly in all directions to provide isostropic properties and 100% densification.

Its positioning is very complementary to other powder metallurgy (PM) processes such as Metal Injection Moulding (MIM), pressing and sintering, or additive manufacturing technologies. It is even used in combination with these PM processes for part densification and the production of semi finished bars or slabs.

HIPs capabilities include large and massive near net shape metal components such as oil & gas parts weighing up to 30 tonnes, or net shape impellers up to one metre in diameter. Equally it can be used to make small PM HSS cutting tools, such as taps or drills made from PM HIP semi-finished products, which can weigh less than 100 grams, or even very tiny parts such as dental brackets.

As a result, HIP has developed over the years to become a high-performance, high-quality and cost-effective process for the production of many metal (or ceramic) components.

For more information on Hot Isostatic Pressing, EPMA has a short introduction here.