The Technology
Metals might develop cracks and holes during the manufacturing process. 3D printing renders parts very prone to such defects. Other manufacturing methods may create such defects as well. Defects may also form while the parts are in use. This affects the product durability, deteriorates the mechanical properties of the parts and consequently reduce their service time. Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) involving inert (typically noble) gas is a known method to treat metal parts and reduce the defects’ size and extent. However, the current HIP practice requires a high operation temperature, which inversely alters the microstructure of the treated metal parts. A new HIP method was developed to allow higher pressure in the HIP process, along with a lower temperature, without the need for a noble gas. Such conditions are favorable energetically and prevent changes in the mechanical properties of the metal, that might happen at higher temperatures.
Advantages
- Very low defect concentration both in the bulk and the surface of the material.
- Unwanted changes in metal properties at high temperatures are prevented.
- The process is energetically favorable.
Applications and Opportunities
- Improving properties of metal parts for high end applications such as automotive, aerospace, medical, precision machines, electronics markets etc.
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