Clean-HIP Processing to Minimize Surface Oxidation

The Hot Isostatic Process (HIP) has often been coupled with oxidation of surfaces due to high oxygen partial pressure at the HIP pressure. Oxygen originating from several different individual sources, all which must be controlled to avoid surface oxidation and various forms of contamination. This contamination may have detrimental effects on critical components that are exposed to fatigue. This has led to the need to wrap components with different types of metal foils gettering the contaminants before these can react with the part surfaces. The need for getters of course consumes resources placing a demand to develop a viable solution to this challenge.

Quintus Technologies has developed a new toolbox under the High-Pressure Heat Treatment umbrella called Quintus Purus®, a combination of best practices in way of working with the HIP system, new equipment capabilities, and fit for purpose oxygen getter cassettes. This concept promises the opportunity to reduce oxygen species in the HIP process by over 95%. The result is a path for significantly less part surface oxidation and contamination. This will increase the efficiency and accuracy of further post processing techniques such as chemical milling to allow for a more uniform surface finish.

This presentation will highlight the current challenges with HIP equipment and the origin of the oxidation that causes part discoloration. It will focus on the best practices to mitigate moisture in the HIP furnace and highlight the industry benefits of HIP with Quintus Purus®.