What is the typical temperature and pressure range used in HIP?
Standard HIP Temperature and Pressure Range
The HIP process operates under elevated temperature and high isostatic gas pressure to eliminate porosity and enhance mechanical properties in superalloy castings. Typical pressure ranges fall between 100–200 MPa (14,500–29,000 psi), depending on alloy chemistry and defect density. Temperature is usually set between 1,050–1,220°C for nickel-based alloys such as Inconel 718LC, ensuring activation of diffusion-based densification without causing grain coarsening or phase degradation.
For 3D-printed structures produced using superalloy 3D printing, HIP parameters are carefully adjusted to consolidate layer interfaces while maintaining the near-net shape. This approach helps transform additively manufactured parts into fully dense, fatigue-resistant components suitable for high-stress aerospace and turbine applications.
Material-Specific Adjustments
HIP parameters vary depending on alloy group:
Nickel-based superalloys – typically 1,100–1,200°C at ~150 MPa for full densification.
Cobalt-based alloys – temperature ranges between 1,000–1,150°C with shorter cycle times to preserve wear resistance.
Titanium alloys – treated at lower pressure and narrower temperature windows to avoid α/β phase imbalance; common in equiaxed or directional castings from superalloy directional casting.
Powder metallurgy parts – may require extended cycles at maximum pressure, especially for turbine disks produced via powder metallurgy turbine disc technology.
Post-HIP Verification
After HIP processing, dimensional finishing such as superalloy CNC machining and quality validation using material testing and analysis are required to confirm pore elimination and verify the microstructure is within target specification. In high-stress sectors such as power generation and military and defense, HIP cycle parameters are often standardized under OEM specifications to ensure long-term creep and fatigue performance.
