Quintus Technologies introduced a new hot isostatic press (HIP) it indicated will accelerate additive manufacturing (AM) processes by reducing the number of production steps. The QIH 60 M URC® combines heat treatment and cooling in a single process, for faster throughput and resulting in higher workpiece quality, lower capital investment, better logistics, and energy savings, according to the developer.
The Swedish OEM’s specializes in HIP systems, which are an increasingly important process for additive manufacturing and other types of manufacturing to eliminate pores and remove internal defects in metal and ceramic parts, to improve mechanical properties.
The Quintus HPHT process combines the effects of stress relief, heat treating, and aging in a single system.
The QIH 60 M URC has working dimensions of 410 mm (16.14 in.) diameter and 1,000 mm (39.37 in.) height, with a capacity of 600 kg (1,322 lb.) per load, so it will accommodate full build plates from most printers.
It operates at a maximum temperature of 1,400°C (2,552°F) and pressure of 30,000 psi (2,070 bar) when using a molybdenum furnace. Graphite furnace options are available for temperatures up to 2,000°C (3,632°F).
The machine is equipped with digital heating and cooling controls, and can be networked to coordinate with Industry 4.0 or IIoT protocols.
“HPHT introduces multiple efficiencies and dramatically lowers per-unit processing costs,” stated Quintus CEO Jan Söderström. “We are very pleased with the role this new, state-of-the-art HIP can play in moving additive manufacturing forward into robust, lean production.”