Material Densification

Cold Isostatic Pressing (CIP) is a wet bag compaction method, subjecting compacted powders, enclosed by a flexible rubber mold, to extreme isostatic pressure to create optimum sintering/densification conditions. The most commonly used pressure media for CIP is water at ambient temperature.

HIP (Hot Isostatic Pressing) is a high-temperature, high-pressure process to enhance material properties. It utilizes a specialized furnace housed within a gas pressure vessel. The process typically employs argon or nitrogen gas, pressurized up to 2000 bar and heated to temperatures up to 2000°C.

The combination of pressure and temperature densifies components to near-theoretical density. It means internal defects like porosity, voids, and microcracks are eliminated.

HIP usually operates at temperatures similar to conventional heat treatment processes. So, we can integrate both procedures into a single step, called High Pressure Heat Treatment (HPHT™). This innovative approach boosts productivity while reducing the need for additional capital equipment.

Warm Isostatic Pressing, WIP, is a technology that is used for achieving maximum uniform powder compact density, using a heated, pressurized liquid media. Common pressure media include water, emulsion or oil, pressurized to 600 MPa at temperatures up to 145°C.