August 30, 2024
Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) has become an essential technique in sectors that demand high precision and material dependability, such as medical implants, aerospace, nuclear, and military industries. As additive manufacturing (AM) increasingly becomes mainstream within these challenging industries, the application of HIP is indeed becoming indispensable for boosting the quality and reliability of 3D printed components.
Quintus Technologies, a pioneer in high-pressure technology based in Sweden, leads the advancement of integrating HIP with the additive manufacturing process. Previously recognized for devising a method to produce synthetic diamonds through heat and pressure, Quintus, which renamed itself about ten years ago, has turned its focus since 2015 towards maximizing the benefits of its technology for the growing sector of AM.
“We began exploring with our clients how our technology could enhance the value of their operations,” stated Henning, a Quintus spokesperson. With the rising interest in AM, Quintus developed a unique high-pressure heat treatment process designed specifically for the AM market. This approach merges rapid cooling features with consistent temperature management, thus enabling producers to evolve from 3D prints to practical, deployable products.
HIP technology addresses various challenges metal AM parts face, including stresses, porosity, and cracking. These issues are crucial for enhancing the mechanical qualities of printed components, such as ductility, fracture toughness, elongation, and fatigue life. “HIPing is well-known in the industry though typically applied late in the process,” Henning highlighted. Nonetheless, the distinct microstructures of metal AM parts necessitate unique treatment options to optimize their performance.
Quintus’ HIP technology has become increasingly significant in high-performance fields like aerospace, medical, and space industries. With the growing demand for larger and more complex AM parts, the capability of AM-ready HIP equipment must evolve. Quintus is advancing its technology to meet these rising needs while sustaining high performance standards.
Henning underscored the importance of utilizing AM’s flexibility instead of just substituting cast or forged parts with printed ones. “Many strive to substitute traditional parts with those made through a novel method, yet the real advantage is realized when leveraging the flexibility of AM,” he remarked. This strategy allows manufacturers to harness the full benefits of AM in conjunction with HIP technology for optimal outcomes.
Hiperbaric, another pioneer in high-pressure technology, also understands the synergy between AM and HIP. The company’s HIP technology is employed by sectors like aerospace to certify materials and parts meet the highest quality and safety standards. For instance, Hiperbaric’s HIP technology is an essential tool for Aenium Engineering in the space sector, ensuring that printed components fulfill stringent performance conditions.
Despite its advantages, HIP does have some limitations, particularly with parts that feature sandwich structures or advanced ceramics. These materials can present challenges during the HIP process due to their complex internal structures or the extreme conditions required for processing.
Nevertheless, Hiperbaric identifies “enormous potential” for HIP in novel AM applications and materials. The company is actively engaging in R&D projects aimed at enhancing the properties of materials like silicon carbide (SiC) through HIP, effectively eliminating defects in polycrystalline SiC wafers. As the adoption of AM advances, HIP is anticipated to play an essential role in reducing costs and elevating the performance of components in sectors as diverse as space exploration and solid-state batteries.
Source: tctmagazine.com
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