Chinese Manufacturer Invests in New HIPs Despite Overcapacity

Two more hot isostatic presses to join world’s largest at steel casting plant.

Earlier this week China announced one of the largest layoffs in history, with 1.8 million workers in the coal and steel industries to be relocated over the next two years.

There are speculations that this is further evidence of an impending global downturn, but despite China’s overcapacity problems a major Chinese steel casting manufacturer has ordered two new hot isostatic presses (HIPs).

Notably, this announcement comes less than three months after the same manufacturer received the world’s largest 2,000-bar (29,000-psi) HIP.

Representatives from Anhui Yingliu and Quintus next to the large HIP. (Image courtesy of Quintus Technologies.)

Representatives from Anhui Yingliu and Quintus next to the large HIP. (Image courtesy of Quintus Technologies.)

The hot isostatic pressing process subjects components or castings inside a high-pressure containment vessel to elevated temperatures and isostatic gas pressures for the purposes of heat treating, consolidating metal powder or removing porosity.

The first HIP—commissioned by Anhui Yingliu Group from Quintus Technologies—has a work zone of 1600 mm (63 inches) in diameter and 2500 mm (98 inches) in height, making it the world’s largest in its temperature and pressure class. It was designed for the production of large aircraft engine casings and other critical core components.

The two new HIPs have work zones of 800 mm (32 inches) by 2500 mm (98 inches) and 375 mm (15 inches) by 1200 mm (47 inches), respectively.

Both presses incorporate Quintus’ patented Uniform Rapid Cooling (URC) technology, which allows for simultaneous heat treatment and densification.

Graph depicting Quintus’ URC technology. (Image courtesy of Quintus Technologies.)

Graph depicting Quintus’ URC technology. (Image courtesy of Quintus Technologies.)

Adding these smaller-scale presses will significantly boost total foundry capacity as well as extending Anhui Yingliu’s capabilities in material and process development.

The two new HIPs will be installed alongside their big brother at the company’s foundry in Huoshan County, Anhui Province.

For more information, visit the Quintus Technologies and Anhui Yingliu Group websites.

Written by

Ian Wright

Ian is a senior editor at engineering.com, covering additive manufacturing and 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. Ian holds bachelors and masters degrees in philosophy from McMaster University and spent six years pursuing a doctoral degree at York University before withdrawing in good standing.