HOT ISOSTATIC PRESSING OF AM PARTS
However, after printing residual pores exist within the material. To remove these pores, Hot Isostatic Pressing or HIP is the obvious choice. By applying a HIP step, pores will be eliminated and the density will increase to virtually 100% of theoretical density. This pore elimination will improve the strength, ductility and especially the fatigue properties of the material and residual stresses will also be eliminated.
Today, it is possible to combine HIP:ing and heat treatment in a specifically designed HIP equipped with Uniform Rapid Quenching (URQ®) or Uniform Rapid Cooling (URC®). This paper will describe the process and benefits of HIP for AM parts together with the possibilities and advantages of combining the HIP process and heat treatment in a URQ® HIP.