Quintus Technologies, a premier manufacturer of high pressure systems, will supply a Hot Isostatic Press (HIP) to the U.S. Department of Energy's Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Oak Ridge, Tenn. ORNL's new HIP will be used for research in demanding applications for aerospace, nuclear, gas turbines, and other advanced-technology industries, as part of its mission to enhance the competitiveness of American manufacturing.

Quintus HIP systems, which produce parts with excellent isotropic material properties, offer the highest possible density of all available compaction methods. The model QIH-9M URQ to be installed at ORNL will be equipped with Quintus' patented Uniform Rapid Quenching (URQ®) technology, enabling increased productivity with optimal temperature control. URQ's advanced heat treatment of materials under pressure not only facilitates improved performance of existing alloy systems but also supports the development of novel alloy systems with unique properties that can open up entirely new markets for parts manufacturers.

“These new features help to improve the overall mechanical characteristics and limit post-process steps to improve material microstructure while keeping implementation costs in line,” says Peter Henning, Business Unit Director of Advanced Material Densification at Quintus Technologies. “This aligns with ORNL's stated mission to 'rejuvenate' U.S. manufacturing with new processes that result in critical energy and environmental improvements.”

Established to facilitate rapid deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies to bolster U.S. competitiveness, the ORNL MDF provides industry and researchers with convenient access to facilities, tools, and expertise to help develop energy-efficient, competitively priced, high-quality products. Particular attention is paid to the reduction and integration of process steps, development of alternative low-temperature pathways, and development of entirely new processes and unit operations to achieve energy-efficient processing.

“Oak Ridge National Laboratory is well known for being the leader in innovative research solutions in additive manufacturing of superalloys and titanium alloys,” Henning comments. “When one of the most experienced and skillful research institutions in the world chooses our solution, it makes a strong quality statement for our Quintus technology, which combines the highest level of pressure vessel safety with unmatched productivity.”

ORNL ́s new press will hold the distinction of being the fastest and most versatile HIP in the United States, operating at a pressure of 2070 bar (30,000 psi) and a temperature up to 2000°C (3992°F). Installation is scheduled for June 2016.