A cold isostatic press compresses powdered materials at room temperature, as opposed to a hot isostatic press, which uses high heat to compress materials. Cold isostatic pressing, also referred to as CIP, creates products such as ceramic insulators, refractory nozzles, metal filters and refractory blocks. The compressed materials can include powdered metals, ceramics, carbides and chemicals.

In cold isostatic pressing, the powdered material is placed into a mold, which is then placed into the press' processing chamber. The press pumps a liquid mixture, typically oil and water, into the chamber and pressurizes the liquid. The final result is a product with uniform density. When the mold is free, the process is called wet bag processing, and when the mold is fixed, the process is referred to as dry bag processing. When purchasing a cold isostatic press, consider the following:

1. Buy an industrial cold isostatic press capable of high-volume production for use in a factory or plant.

2. Order a medium-size cold press machinery for small production orders and product experimentation.

3. Purchase compact cold isostatic presses for laboratory use.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase a cold isostatic press machine for high-volume production

An industrial cold isostatic press found in a factory or plant typically needs to turn out a large daily volume of production. Cold isostatic press machines designed for high-volume production must run through thousands of cycles without requiring repair. This type of cold isostatic press varies in size from several feet to several stories tall.

I recommend: American Isostatic Presses offers fully automated cold isostatic presses for high-volume production. These high pressure cold isostatic presses are capable of reaching pressures up to 100,000 psi. Avure Technologies manufacturers large industrial cold isostatic presses for high-volume production. The cold isostatic press manufacturer's standard model has pressure of 60,000 psi.

Order medium-size cold press machinery

Medium-size cold isostatic presses are ideal for companies that don't require mass production. Mid-sized cold press machinery is also used for pilot production. A pilot production cold isostatic press allows companies to experiment with their products without producing a large quantity.

I recommend: Find medium-size and pilot production cold isostatic presses at Engineered Pressure Systems. These presses are ideal for ceramic, carbon, plastics, and powder metals industries. The company also offers customization for specific applications. Fluitron offers cold isostatic presses in a range of sizes and pressures. The company manufacturers standard models as well as custom designs.

Buy cold press equipment for laboratory use

Laboratory cold isostatic presses are significantly smaller than their industrial counterparts. Laboratory presses are compact and many models have wheels for easy transportation. This type of isostatic press is typically housed in a cabinet to provide a uniform, sleek look in the lab.

I recommend: Find laboratory cold isostatic presses at Loomis Products. The company offers both wet bag isostatic presses and dry bag isostatic presses. Hardwood Engineering fabricates custom laboratory isostatic pressure systems. The manufacturer's presses can reach up to 200,000 psi.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Cold isostatic pressing applications often require additional processing. After a metal or ceramic powder product comes out of the press, sintering heats the product below its melting point so particles adhere to each other.