Advanced Post Processing for Leaner Additive Manufacturing

Equipped with proprietary Uniform Rapid Cooling™, the QIH 60 M URC® hot isostatic press (HIP) from Quintus® Technologies LLC (Lewis Center, OH) accelerates the additive manufacturing (AM) process by reducing the number of steps in the production line. It combines heat treatment and cooling in a single process known as high pressure heat treatment (HPHT) for faster throughput, higher workpiece quality and savings in capital investment, logistics, and energy. The QIH 60 is a revolutionary piece of equipment that enables mass production of parts with exceptional quality and reduced cost. Hot isostatic pressing has become the standard method to eliminate pores and remove internal defects in metal and ceramic parts, improving properties such as toughness and fatigue life. With the ability to stress relieve, heat treat and age parts in one system, HPHT allows manufacturers to consolidate several steps and remove discrete equipment from the production line. It is rapidly emerging as the go-to post-processing path to lean AM operations.

Equipped with digital controls for precise heating and cooling performance, the QIH 60 press is designed to integrate with Industry 4.0 and factory-of-the-future connectivity. It operates at a maximum temperature of 1,400 deg C (2,552 deg F) and pressure of 30,000 psi (2,070 bar) when using the molybdenum furnace. Graphite furnace options are also available for temperatures up to 2,000 deg C (3,632 deg F). The working dimensions of the vessel are 410 mm (16.14 in) diameter and 1,000 mm (39.37 in) tall, with a capacity of 600 kg (1,322 lb) per load, allowing loading of full build plates from the majority of printers.

Quintus Technologies LLC, 8270 Green Meadows Drive North, Lewis Center, OH 43035, 614-891-2732, quintustechnologies.com.