What Are Isostatic Presses Used For?

Those working in the manufacturing process can benefit from the introduction of the isostatic press to their operation. Here, we’re going to look at what an isostatic press can be used for and the components that are vital to this piece of equipment. We will also share information about the purpose of high-pressure tanks when using an isostatic press, and how working with a high pressure equipment manufacturer for your equipment needs can benefit manufacturing & industrial plant operations.

What is isostatic pressing?

Developed and introduced to the manufacturing world in the 1950s, isostatic pressing began largely as a research tool but has since grown to become used widely in production sites across the globe. This technique is used primarily for crushing, pulverizing and fine powder production. Isostatic presses and also used in restoring the defects of metal castings and the production of blended materials such as ceramics, plastics, metal alloys, and composites.

There are different types of isostatic presses, but the process largely involves applying force uniformly and equally over an entire product batch, of any shape or size. This pressing action can help form product shapes designed to meet precise tolerances.

Types of isostatic pressing

There are two isostatic pressing types largely used in modern manufacturing and plant operations: cold isostatic pressing and hot isostatic pressing. Here, we will detail how each works:

Cold isostatic pressing

When you need to avoid the high cost that can come with pressing dies, cold isostatic pressing offers a unique advantage to the manufacturer. This process is largely used for isostatically processing a range of powders on a commercial scale, such as metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites. Powders are compacted into electrostatic molds in a dry or wet bag process with pressures from 5,000 psi to more than 100,000 psi.

Hot isostatic pressing

Unlike cold isostatic pressing, the hot pressing process makes use of elevated temperatures as well as isostatic gas pressure, provided by high-pressure tanks.  This process can increase the density of base materials while also eliminating its porosity. This type of pressing alters the mechanical properties and the workability of the affected material. This process is largely used to eliminate micro shrinkage in castings, as well as for consolidating powders and diffusion bonding (or cladding.)  Hot isostatic pressing can also be used in the sintering (powder metallurgy) process, for the fabrication of metal matrix composites, and for pressure-assisted brazing.

Implementing isostatic pressing in your manufacturing or industrial plant operations

If the benefits of isostatic pressing helps you avoid more costly casting processes and offers uniformity while increasing the tolerance of the materials that you use, then we recommend you find an isostatic press manufacturer. Fluitron is a High Pressure Equipment Company in PA that can help you fabricate an isostatic press for your specific needs. Get in touch with our team to learn more about how we can help or take a look through our site to find out about the services that our team provides.