Cold Isostatic Press

What is Isostatic Pressing?

Isostatic pressing is performed "cold" or "hot." Cold isostatic pressing (CIP) is used to compact green parts at ambient temperatures, while hot isostatic pressing (HIP) is used to fully consolidate parts at elevated temperatures by solid-state diffusion.

Isostatic pressing is performed "cold" or "hot." Cold isostatic pressing (CIP) is used to compact green parts at ambient temperatures, while hot isostatic pressing (HIP) is used to fully consolidate parts at elevated temperatures by solid-state diffusion.

In the cold isostatic pressing process, a mould or vacuumed sample is placed into a chamber that is filled with a working fluid, usually water with a corrosion inhibitor, which is pressurized by an external pump. The pressure chamber of the MSE cold isostatic press is designed to withstand the severe cyclic loading imposed by rapid production rates and has taken into account fatigue failure.

Compared with cold pressing, isostatic compaction applies pressure uniformly over the entire surface of the mould.

Die-wall friction, which exerts a major influence on the density distribution of cold-pressed parts, is absent; so much more uniform densities are obtained.

The elimination of die-wall lubricants also permits higher pressed densities and eliminates problems associated with lubricant removal prior to or during final sintering. Furthermore, if necessary, air can be evacuated from the loose powder before compaction. Consequently, isostatic compaction provides increased and more uniform density at a given compaction pressure and relative freedom from compact defects when applied to brittle or fine powders. Because of the uniform compaction pressure, the cross section-to-height ratio of the part is not a limiting factor as it is with uniaxial pressing. In addition, cold isostatic pressing can be used to compact more complex shapes than possible with uniaxial pressing.

There is a distinct advantage in using isostatic pressing except for aluminium and iron compacted to high densities. At high densities both die and isostatic compaction produces similar green densities with iron and aluminium powders. For materials such as aluminium that have constant shear stress, the radial pressure becomes approximately equal to the axial pressure, i.e. approaches an isostatic pressure distribution. However, for materials like copper where yield stress is a function of the normal stress on the shear plane, the radial pressure remains less than the axial pressure. Although the pressure distribution within a cold-pressed compact may become isostatic, presumably, the pressure vs. density relationship should be identical with that of isostatic compacting only if the density distribution is equally uniform.

STANDARD FEATURES

• PLC controlled auto pressurization, auto-opening lid after the process
• Lid lock application
• Adjustable time and pressure for pressure applying 
• Can be viewed on the screen target pressure, active pressure, hold time and active time
• AISI 304 stainless steel basket to put the samples
• 5-micron filter for particles permeability inside the liquid
• Electronic security system, emergency stop button, alarm system
• High-pressure sensor
• Pressurization and pressure reduction valve
• There is a pressurization liquid that is made of boron oil and water mixed in the pressure vessel. The pressure is applied via this liquid. 
• External water tank
• ASME Section VIII design standard

Optional Features

• (RC) Remote control