Quintus Technologies supplied a hot-isostatic press to a Chinese manufacturer, to complement the additive manufacturing capabilities at Xi'an Bright Laser Technologies Co., Ltd. BLT produces 3DP parts in titanium and aluminum alloys, superalloys, and stainless, die, and high-strength steels, for a range of industrial applications, including automotive engine and structural parts, aircraft engine and structural components, mold/die, energy, electronics, and other customer segments.
The business in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, includes over 100 laser additive-manufacturing systems.
The new QIH48 URC press incorporates Quintus’ patented Uniform Rapid Cooling method that that combines traditional hot-isostatic pressing with heat treatment. The integrated materials densification process, known as High-Pressure Heat Treatment, produces parts with improved fatigue and ductile properties that will satisfy critical performance requirements for aerospace, automotive, medical, and energy sector customers.
The Quintus HIP system at BLT features has hot work zone of 14.8 in. diameter by 47.2 in. high (375 x1200 mm); an operating temperature of 2,552°F (1400°C); and pressure of 30,000 psi (2070 bar). It’s suitable for production as well as AM process development, Quintus noted.
“The QIH 48 URC® offers several time-saving and quality advantages,” commented general manager Dr. Xue Lei. “The streamlined, High-Pressure Heat Treatment process enables us to serve our customers with shorter lead times. The press’s programmable temperature distribution and high precision can avoid thermal stress deformation caused by temperature change and prevent cracking. In addition, there is no need to clean or dry parts after cooling.”