FAQs

FAQs

Questions & Answers

Q: What is HIP?

A: Hot Isostatic Processing is a process in which components are subjected to the simultaneous application of heat and high pressure in an inert gas medium. Using “hot Isostatic pressure”, the material is changed, in simple terms, to a ‘plastic state’ which collapses the voids. The clean surfaces of the voids bond together making components or parts stronger. In most cases, this does not change or alter the shape of the parts.

Q: What are the benefits:

A: Create high strength bonds. Improve mechanical properties. Improve fatigue life. Remove internal porosity. Improve x-ray standard. Improve property scatter. Reduce rejection rate. Reduce scrap losses. Improve machine surface quality. Reduce machining and weld repair.

Q: How long is turn-around time?

A: Kittyhawk Products not only provides the best customer service, but we offer the fastest turn-around time in the HIPing industry at 48 hours!

Q: Why use HIP?

A: The HIP process not only results in higher quality and improved mechanical properties, but it accomplishes this at greatly reduced cost. Tooling is simple and inexpensive, scrap is dramatically reduced and machining is minimized. Additionally, because HIP is not size or shape dependent and can be used on a wide variety of materials, HIP allows for increased design flexibility.

Q: What gets HIPed?

A:

• Turbine and airframe components.
• Metal matrix composites, parts requiring cladding.
• Powdered metals or MIM components, powder billets.
• Medical implants, firearm components. (Rejuvenation).
• Any metal or ceramic based products that require integrity, or premium surface finishes.
• Assemblies requiring diffusion bonding.
• High pressure values and pumps.
• Automotive parts.
• Recreational parts, components that require premium surface finishes.

Kittyhawk Products Typical Cycles

Equipment Capabilities

Q: How is pricing established?

A: Pricing is based on size and/or weight, what kind of material and at which cycle your parts need to run. Combining or  “piggybacking” your part with other customers that run at the same cycle will produce significant cost savings. Bulk prices per pound start as low as $1.50. Full load pricing is based on the operational cost of the unit on a per cycle basis.