Hot isostatic pressing in metal additive manufacturing: X-ray tomography reveals details of pore closure

Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) is a crucial post-processing method for improving the density and microstructure of additively manufactured metals, especially in aerospace applications. This study uses X-ray tomography to analyze pore closure efficiency in Ti6Al4V samples. While HIP effectively closes most pores, near-surface pores remain problematic, potentially leading to reopening during heat treatment. The study discusses implications for quality control and suggests using HIP to consolidate unmelted powder for faster production rates.