A hot isostatic press is used for compressing powdered materials into a solid form. Hot isostatic presses typically produce ceramics, plastics and castings. Hot isostatic press products are frequently used in industries including automotive, medical and aerospace. As the name implies, hot isostatic presses operate at high temperatures, as opposed to cold isostatic presses which function at room temperature.

Hot isostatic presses, commonly referred to as simply HIP, use a heated atmosphere of mixed gases that is pressurized. The press adds density to the powdered material by introducing the gas mixture into the press' furnace while increasing the pressure and temperature. When purchasing a hot isostatic press or contracting hot isostatic pressing services, consider the following:

1. Buy the properly sized press for your application.

2. Keep a stock of isostatic press replacement parts to decrease downtime.

3. Contract hot isostatic press services to meet occasional pressing needs.

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

Find hot isostatic press manufacturers for your application

Small hot isostatic presses are available for research and testing in laboratories. These presses are considerably smaller than hot isostatic presses used in processing plants. Plant presses are considered mid-range equipment and are ideal for batch processing. Large industrial hot isostatic presses are capable of large production.

I recommend: Find hot isostatic presses in a variety of sizes at EPSI. The company offers presses with interchangeable furnaces for various temperatures and atmospheres to meet your specifications. Avure Technologies manufactures laboratory scale isostatic presses, pilot plant presses for mid-range batch processing and large work zone presses for high-volume production.

Purchase industrial hot isostatic press replacement equipment

Keeping a stock of common hot isostatic press replacement parts in-house can reduce downtime when the equipment needs repair or maintenance. When your press breaks down and needs parts you don't have on hard, order from a company that keeps an inventory of replacement parts on site.

I recommend: Find hot isostatic press replacement and rebuilt furnaces at American Isostatic Presses. The company also offers services and parts for most models of hot isostatic presses. Hydro-Pac is a manufacturer of high pressure pumps and gas compressors for isostatic pressing applications. Order high isostatic pressure equipment at Macrodyne Technologies. The company's services also include rebuilding, upgrading and preventative maintenance.

Contract hot isostatic press product services

If you business occasionally requires hot isostatic pressing services, contract the work out to a pressing company. This option is also ideal for businesses that frequently use hot isostatic press products, but don't have the means of pressing in house.

I recommend: Pressure Technology provides hot isostatic pressing services to industries including aerospace, medical, ceramics, electronics, precision casting and powder metallurgy. Find hot isostatic pressing services at Kittyhawk Products.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Purchase multiple furnaces for your industrial hot isostatic press if you have applications that require various temperatures. This option is more cost effective than purchasing multiple presses.
• •  Find hot isostatic press distributors that offer rebuilding and reconditioning services rather than replacing worn equipment.