Machine for Hot Isostatic Pressing

Fraunhofer IFAM plans to buy a machine for hot isostatic pressing (HIP). The machine is capable of densifying either powder, which is put into a capsule, or eliminating porosity from metallic parts by applying thermal energy and isostatic pressure. For the latter case the parts have to have a density, which is high enough not to contain any open porosity. The process takes place inside a pressure vessel, which is additionally heated. HIP is currently used e.g. in the oil & gas industry, aerospace and medical engineering. The machine is planned to be used in R&D projects in these branches. A special focus will be on implementing complex heat treatments within the HIP machine by being able to use a rapid quenching capability. Furthermore, densifying fatigue-loaded parts to full density will be another focus area.