Hot Isostatic Pressing and Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
With typical pressures from 400 to 2,070 bar (5,800 to 30,000 psi) and temperatures up to 2,000°C (3,632°F), HIP can achieve 100% of maximum theoretical density and improve the ductility and fatigue resistance of critical, high-performance materials. The components from 3D-printing, regardless of method (EBM, SLM, etc.), benefits greatly from Hot Isostatic Pressing.
Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP:ing) has been used successfully by manufacturers around the world. HIP:ing is used to eliminate pores and remove defects, i.e. nitrides, oxides and carbides, to dramatically increase the material properties. Additive Manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing is rapidly taking hold in demanding markets such as aerospace and medical implants. Hot Isostatic Pressing and Heat Treatment combined eliminates pores and thus increases the ductility and fatigue resistance of parts which are often safety and quality critical. The aerospace industry is planning to use additive manufacturing for mass production of critical metal alloy parts.