Quintus Technologies has delivered the world's fastest fan-driven Hot Isostatic Press (HIP) to Italy's PRES-X, an innovative start-up established to meet the post-production needs of 3D printed metal components.

Installation of the press, model QIH 60 M URC for the additive manufacturing (AM) industry, distinguishes PRES-X as the first company worldwide to deploy the special fan-driven HIP that was specifically designed for the AM industry. The QIH 60's High Pressure Heat Treatment (HPHT) capability makes it possible to eliminate several operations in the AM production line, creating a more cost- effective process. With Quintus's proprietary Uniform Rapid Cooling (URC) technology, a cooling rate of 1500K/minute can be achieved while minimizing thermal distortion and non-uniform grain growth, producing finished 3D printed parts with optimal material properties.

The combination of HIP and in-process heat treatment aligns with the PRES-X strategy to shorten the AM production cycle and in-source key operations, performing them in a single production site. The result translates into process efficiency with a significant reduction in time and cost, as well as a favorable impact on sustainability.

"Our vision is to become the innovation leader within HIP," comments PRES-X CEO and Founder Andrea Scanavini. "We need a technical partner that shares our mission to be at the forefront, and Quintus is a perfect match. They have the same approach to introducing disruptive innovations in the field of HIP and HT, in the critical phases of post-processing AM parts."

The model QIH 60 press features a hot zone of 16.14 x 39.37 inches (410 x 1,000 mm) and operates at a maximum temperature of 2,552°F (1,400°C) and maximum pressure of 207 MPa (30,000 psi). It has a maximum workload weight of 1,322 lbs (600 kg).

"The QIH 60's innovative capabilities have already prompted customers to review their parts production methods, even in application areas that have long used more traditional techniques," notes Mr. Scanavini. "This is allowing us to see new project starts and growth in orders and revenue despite a very challenging global market situation."

PRES-X also invested in a long-term Quintus Care Program, a rigorous preventative maintenance agreement that ensures flawless production, operation, and press performance at a fixed annual cost. Quintus Care provides high availability of spare and wear parts and guaranteed and prioritized technical support. It includes annual training and press inspections, aiming at regular recertification of PRES-X personnel to maintain and elevate their skills. The program also secures access to the Quintus HIP knowledge center and application expertise to derive full benefits from the innovative HPHT process.

From its headquarters in Reggio Emilia, in Northern Italy, PRES-X's geographic reach spans both Europe and the U.S. Its industry focus is on the ASD (aerospace, space, and defense), racing and automotive, packaging, and medical device markets.

"Quintus Technologies has developed solutions targeted specifically at AM products and projects in these areas," says Jan Soderstrom, CEO of Quintus Technologies. "With the QIH 60 HIP, PRES-X is well positioned to satisfy the needs of the market today, where there is exceptional interest in new approaches that improve quality, lower cost, and reduce environmental impacts. We are very pleased to be working as a strategic partner to help PRES-X play a leading role in this innovation."