Bodycote plc will install a new “Mega-HIP” hot-isostatic pressing system at its operation in Sint Niklaas, Belgium, suitable for high-pressure, high-temperature processing of Nadcap-certified aerospace components, in line with rising European demand in that sector.
The value of the capital investment and the source of the HIP technology were not announced. The new installation will be in operation later this year, according to Bodycote.
Bodycote has 180 operations in 23 countries offering commercial heat-treating and specialty thermal processing, like HIP.
Hot-isostatic pressing (HIP) is a process that combines high temperatures and inert-gas (e.g., argon) atmospheres under very high pressure (up to 30,000 psi) to densify workpieces and/or to bond dissimilar materials. It’s used to treat forgings, castings, powder metal parts, and 3D-printed parts.
Nadcap — the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program — is an industry-managed conformity assessment program that draws expertise from prime contractors, suppliers, and government representatives to establish certification standards.