HOT ISOSTASTIC PRESSING
This is an introduction to the technology of hot isostatic pressing (HIP), which is generally used to produce large PM parts to near-net shapes of varied complexity. The hermetic container for the powder is made of metal or glass and the pressurizing medium is a gas (inert argon or helium). At the elevated temperatures the process employs, the hermetic container deforms plastically to compact the powder within it. The combination of heat and pressure during the process eliminates the need for a supplemental sintering step. Produced by the Isostatic Pressing Association.