Kobe Steel Ltd. Has earned U3 certification from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code for its pressure vessels used in isostatic presses.

ASME’s U3 certification covers pressure vessels with design pressures generally above 10,000 psi (70 MPa). Kobe Steel is the first company in Asia to have received this qualification.

Pressure vessels are critical components of Isostatic presses. Operating up to a maximum 140,000 psi (1 Gpa), isostatic presses produce parts from powdered materials. Cold isostatic presses, for example, are used to form powdered materials into solid shapes, but also to process food. Hot isostatic presses operate at up to a maximum 3,000°C., is used to treat automotive aluminum castings, and also to manufacture high-temperature superconductors, process cemented carbide, and in net-shape forming of super alloys.

The U3 certification will improve Kobe Steel’s service to North American and European markets, and strengthen its position in Asia.