Combining HIP with 3D printing for superior part performance

Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) technology has long been an important process in industries such as medical implants, aerospace, nuclear power and military, which require high precision and material reliability. As additive manufacturing (AM) continues to advance in these demanding areas, the integration of HIP technology is proving to be a powerful ally in improving the performance and reliability of 3D printed parts.

Pioneer of HIP additive manufacturing technology

Quintus Technologies, a Swedish company with a strong reputation for innovation in high-pressure technologies, has been at the forefront of integrating HIP into the additive manufacturing process. The company, which changed its name to Quintus about a decade ago, was initially credited with developing the hot-pressing process used to produce synthetic diamonds. In 2015, Quintus began focusing on how its technology could bring significant benefits to the emerging field of additive manufacturing.

“We started talking to our customers about the value our technology could bring to them,” says Henin, a Quintus representative. As demand for additive manufacturing increases, Quintus has developed high-pressure heat treatment technology suitable for industrial users of additive manufacturing. The technology combines the benefits of high-speed cooling and temperature uniformity, allowing manufacturers to efficiently move from printed products to fully functional real-world applications.

Using HIP Technology to Improve AM Part Performance

HIP technology solves some of the challenges unique to metal AM parts, such as stress, porosity and cracking. These issues are critical to improving the mechanical properties of printed parts, including ductility, toughness, elongation, and fatigue life. “HIP is a technology that many in the industry are familiar with and is often applied later in the process,” noted Heining. However, the specific microstructure of metal AM parts requires different processing considerations to maximize their performance.

Hiperbaric press 20 HIP

Quintus’ HIP technology has become particularly important in high-performance applications in the aerospace, medical and space industries. As demand for larger, more complex AM parts increases, the capabilities of AM-ready HIP equipment must keep pace. Quintus continues to expand its technology to meet these growing demands while maintaining the same high performance standards.

Haining emphasized the importance of leveraging the flexibility of additive manufacturing rather than simply replacing cast or forged parts with printed parts. “Everyone is trying new ways to replace a part, but the real advantage is the flexibility that additive manufacturing has,” he points out. This approach ensures that manufacturers can take full advantage of additive manufacturing combined with HIP technology to achieve optimal results.

Hiperbaric: leveraging HIP to drive new additive manufacturing applications

Hiperbaric, another leader in high voltage technology, also recognizes the synergies between AM and HIP. The company’s HIP technology is already used by industries such as aerospace to certify materials and parts to the highest quality and safety standards. For example, Hiperbaric’s HIP technology has become Aenium Engineering’s decisive tool in the space sector, ensuring that printed components meet strict performance standards.

Combining HIP with 3D printing for superior part performance

Although HIP has many advantages, it also has some limitations, especially in parts with sandwich structures or advanced ceramics. These materials can present challenges during HIP due to their complex internal structures or the extreme processing conditions required. However, Hiperbaric sees huge potential for HIP in new additive manufacturing applications and materials. The company is currently working on R&D projects to improve the performance of materials such as silicon carbide (SiC) through HIP processing, which can eliminate defects in polycrystalline SiC wafers. As additive manufacturing grows in popularity, HIP is expected to play a key role in reducing costs and improving component performance in industries ranging from space exploration to solid-state batteries.