Hot Isostatic Forging of Materials at Pressures up to 60,000 Psi

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis paper will discuss the role of Hot Isostatic Forging (HIF) of partially dense powder preforms to full density at greatly reduced temperatures at pressures to 60,000 psi. The floor to floor cycle times are minutes compared to hours for more conventional Hot Isostatic Processing (HIP) of materials. The process greatly reduces energy consumption and labor costs. Materials that would normally require temperatures of 1225°C to achieve full densification by HIP canbe densified at temperatures as low as 800 to 850°C. Composite materials can be processed rapidly enough at much lower temperatures by HIF to greatly reduce the potential for reaction between the matrix and the reinforcement material. In addition, composites can also be fabricated by a combination of SHS (Self- Propagating High Temperature Synthesis) and HIF to further reduce the reaction between the matrix and the reinforcement material. This permits going from a CIP'ed (Cold Isostatic Pressing) blend of Nickel, Aluminum, and Aluminum Oxide whiskers to final density in about 5 to 10 minutes. The process is amenable to the fabrication of near-net finished shapes by this rapid integrated cycle.