Hot isostatic processing

Hot isostatic processing (HIPping) involves the application of high gas pressure at an elevated temperature to components in order to remove internal pores and voids. HIPping technology was developed during the 1950s, initially as a means of diffusion bonding nuclear reactor components and removing porosity in hard metals (tungsten carbide). However, commercial use is now mainly focused on the densification of high-performance castings and consolidation of metal powders, the aerospace industry being only one of a wide range of industries to utilize the process.