Hot isostatic pressing of near net shape components – process fundamentals and future challenges

Abstract

The technology of hot isostatic pressing (HIP) has been used for the consolidation of metal and ceramic powders for many years. About 25% of the entire HIP capacity in industry can be assigned to the production of PM products, more than 50% relating to the densification of cast and sintered components. Within the PM related activities, semi-finished tool steel products and near net shape (NNS) components have the biggest market shares and the highest growth rates.

Acknowledgement

This paper is based on a presentation to the workshop on ‘HIP processing of materials for aggressive environments’ organised by the Particulate Engineering Committee and High Temperature Materials Committee of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, together with EPMA, in Derby on 16 November 2011.