Quintus Technologies, Sweden, has delivered a hot isostatic press (HIP) to the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM) in Dresden, which will permit researchers to deepen their expertise and refine processes for pressure-supported heat treatment, used to maximize theoretical density, ductility, and fatigue resistance in high-performance materials.
Applications for the new system include the hot isostatic pressing and heat treatment of specialty materials such as nickel-based superalloys and intermetallic compounds like titanium aluminides, as well as densification of the unconventional microstructures associated with additive manufacturing (AM).
The press model QIH 15L incorporates heat treatment and cooling in a single process known as high-pressure heat treatment (HPHT). HPHT combines stress-relief annealing, HIP, high-temperature solution-annealing (SA), high-pressure gas quenching (HPGQ), and subsequent aging or precipitation hardening (PH) in one integrated furnace cycle.
Consolidating these multiple steps in the HIP process brings several benefits for Fraunhofer IFAM. Several functions can be performed in a single location with fewer pieces of equipment on the production line. The Quintus press produces faster throughput and higher workpiece quality. It also enhances efficiency and dramatically reduces per-unit processing costs while generating significant savings in space, energy, and infrastructure.
