Isostatic Press

Cold Isostatic Pressing (CIP) is a process used to compact and mold powders and other materials into a desired shape by applying hydrostatic pressure at room temperature. The process is performed using a flexible mold, typically made of rubber or plastic, that is filled with a liquid pressure medium such as water, oil, or a specialized fluid.

There are two main types of isostatic pressing:

• Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP): This type of isostatic pressing uses high temperature and high pressure to consolidate and strengthen the material. The material is heated in a sealed container and then subjected to equal pressure from all directions.
• Cold Isostatic Pressing (CIP): In this type of isostatic pressing, the material is compacted at room temperature using hydraulic pressure. This method is commonly used to form ceramic and metal powders into complex shapes and structures.

• High green strength: Machining of the compacted material in its green state becomes more feasible.
• Materials that are hard to press: Isostatic pressing can be performed on powders without the need for water, lubricants, or binders, making it applicable to a wider range of materials.
• Predictable shrinkage during sintering is achieved due to the high compaction and uniform density.
• Time and cost savings in post-processing are possible due to the ability to create large, complex, and near-net shapes.
• Large aspect ratio parts with uniform density can be produced, resulting in improved quality.
• Green strength enables efficient in-process handling and treatment, reducing production costs.

A cold isostatic press (CIP) is a machine used to compact and mold powders and other materials into a desired shape.

The process works by filling a flexible mold, usually made of rubber or plastic, with a liquid pressure medium like water, oil, or a specialized fluid. This mold is then placed in a closed container, and equal pressure is applied to each surface to achieve a high-pressure environment.

The pressure results in an increase in the product's density and allows it to take on the desired shape.

Cold isostatic pressing is performed at room temperature, in contrast to hot isostatic pressing which is carried out at higher temperatures.

Cold Isostatic Pressing is widely used for various applications, including the consolidation of ceramic powders, compression of graphite, refractory materials, and electrical insulators, as well as the production of fine ceramics for dental and medical applications.

This technology is also making inroads into new fields such as pressing sputtering targets, coating valve parts in engines to reduce wear on cylinder heads, telecommunications, electronics, aerospace, and automotive industries.

The CIP molding process is divided into two methods: the wet bag process and the dry bag process.

Wet bag process:

In this method, the powder material is placed in a flexible mold bag and placed in a pressure vessel filled with high-pressure liquid. This process is ideal for producing multi-shaped products and is suitable for small to large quantities, including large-sized parts.

Dry bag process:

In the dry bag process, a flexible membrane is integrated into the pressure vessel and is used throughout the pressing process. This membrane separates the pressure fluid from the mold, creating a "dry bag." This method is more hygienic as the flexible mold does not get contaminated with wet powder and requires less cleaning of the vessel. It also features fast cycles, making it ideal for mass producing powder products in an automated process.

The wearing parts of cold isostatic equipment are mainly various seals, such as various types of seal rings, valve cores and valve seats.

We offer a variety of standard mold shapes for customers to experiment or validate their process. Custom mold design services are also available upon request.