The Quintus HIP going to Germany's Fraunhofer Institute is equipped with URQ technology, which delivers cooling rates of up to 10 cu. K/minute and enables multi-stage heat treatments in a single, integrated furnace cycle.
The Quintus Technologies Hot Isostatic Press (HIP) to be delivered to the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM in Dresden, Germany, will permit researchers to deepen their expertise and refine processes for pressure-supported heat treatment used to maximize theoretical density, ductility and fatigue resistance in high-performance materials.
Applications for the new system include the HIP and heat treatment of specialty materials such as nickel-based superalloys and intermetallic compounds like titanium aluminides, as well as densification of the unconventional microstructures associated with additive manufacturing (AM).
The press model QIH 15L incorporates heat treatment and cooling in a single process known as High Pressure Heat Treatment (HPHT). HPHT combines stress-relief annealing, HIP, high-temperature solution-annealing (SA), high pressure gas quenching (HPGQ) and subsequent aging or precipitation hardening (PH) in one integrated furnace cycle.
Consolidating these multiple steps in the HIP process brings several benefits for Fraunhofer IFAM. Several functions can be performed in a single location with fewer pieces of equipment on the production line. The Quintus press produces faster throughput and higher workpiece quality. It also enhances efficiency and reduces per-unit processing costs while generating savings in space, energy and infrastructure.
The QIH 15L is equipped with Quintus's Uniform Rapid Quenching (URQ) technology, which achieves a cooling rate of 10 cu. K/minute while minimizing thermal distortion and nonuniform grain growth, for finished 3D printed parts with optimal material properties. The press's furnace chamber has a diameter of 6.69" (170 mm) and a height of 11.4" (290 mm) and operates at a maximum pressure of 30,000 PSI and a maximum temperature of 2,552 °F (1,400°C).
Acquiring the Quintus HIP allows Fraunhofer IFAM researchers to "strengthen their technological expertise in the field of pressure-supported heat treatment," said Dr. Thomas Weißgärber, Director of the Branch Lab. "The new system is not only used for R&D projects, but is also available as a service for carrying out predefined HIP cycles."
"As the industry leader in advanced HIP technology for over 60 years, we have noted exceptional interest in new approaches that improve quality, lower cost and reduce environmental impacts," said Jan Söderström, CEO of Quintus Technologies. "HPHT is rapidly emerging as the go-to post-processing path to lean AM operations. We are delighted to be working with Fraunhofer IFAM as its talented researchers expand the potential for high pressure and heat treatment."
The new system will be installed in the Innovation Center Additive Manufacturing ICAM of Fraunhofer IFAM Dresden, where various technologies for additive manufacturing are a major focus.
For more information contact:
Quintus Technologies LLC
8270 Green Meadows Drive N
Lewis Center, OH 43035
614-891-2732
info@quintusteam.com
www.quintustechnologies.com
Fraunhofer IFAM
www.ifam-dd.fraunhofer.de