The use of HIP technology to produce complicated steel components can considerably reduce time and machining costs. According to Bodycote Powdermet of Sweden, this method results in a material with high strength and good corrosion resistance. Compared with casting and forging, the company claims that HIP makes it much easier to manufacture products that have complex shapes, such as multi-plane curves or with spiral holes.

The HIP method consists essentially of applying high pressure to powdered steel, thereby achieving 100% density. Bodycote Powdermet is one of the world's leading companies in the hot isostatic pressing (HIP) market. The company's plant produces material that is very pure and has a low oxygen content.

Compacted powder
There are three stages in the process of turning molten steel into a finished metallic powder product. First the powder is created, by atomising a stream of molten metal. Then a thin sheet metal capsule is made, in which to hold the powder. In the third stage the powder is compressed at high temperature and pressure to obtain a 100% dense material. The resulting products, such as turbine disks, flanges and valve housings, are almost finished, and require little or no secondary finishing or machining.

Fine-grained structure
"The resulting material has a homogeneous and fine grained structure, giving it strength and facilitating machining," says Bodycote Powdermet's Marketing Manager Carl-Gustaf Hjorth. The secret behind these good material characteristics is the rapid cooling of the metal. The structure is isotropic, i.e. the material has no particular "grain direction", ensuring excellent resistance to most types of stress.

Cost advantages
Since the products resulting from the HIP process are virtually in their finished form, the time and cost of the total production process is considerably reduced.
"Using HIP eliminates welding and cutting processes," points out Carl-Gustaf Hjorth.
This technology has long been established in the offshore industry, but its lower manufacturing costs make it appealing to more conventional engineering. In addition, HIP-manufactured material has great possibilities in the power generation, process and food industries.

For further information, please contact:
Carl-Gustaf Hjorth, Marketing Manager
Bodycote Powdermet
Box 209, SE-735 23 Surahammar, Sweden
Tel +46 (0)220 348 00
Fax +46 (0)220 331 18

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