TTT Group Invests in Hiperbaric HIP System for Aerospace Parts
Spanish subcontractor TTT Group has installed a Hiperbaric HIP system to enhance the mechanical performance of aerospace and oil & gas components, marking a significant investment and expansion into new technologies.
TTT Group, a Spanish subcontractor specializing in surface coatings and heat treatment, has acquired a Hiperbaric HIP 107 industrial system. This investment, the largest in the company's 65-year history, will be used to establish a new business unit focused on improving the mechanical properties of industrial components for the aerospace and oil & gas sectors.
The Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) technology from Hiperbaric operates at pressures up to 2,000 bar and temperatures up to 1,400°C, with an option for 2,000°C. The system features Fast Cooling technology, enabling the integration of heat treatment and material consolidation into a single step. This process is designed to enhance the mechanical properties of critical metal components, particularly those produced via casting and metal additive manufacturing.
Xabier Berasategi, CEO of TTT Group, stated that the integration of HIP technology aligns with the company's strategy for diversification and high added value, with a specific focus on the aerospace sector. He also noted that it opens avenues for future technologies such as additive manufacturing and Near Net Shape (PM-HIP) processes. The company highlights that the equipment eliminates microscopic internal pores, ensuring extreme fatigue resistance, and offers integrated heat treatments and HIP densification.
Hiperbaric, a developer of high-pressure technologies, views this installation as a significant commitment from the domestic industry towards excellence in critical components. The company has been exporting its technology globally for 27 years and has previously supplied large HIP systems to manufacturers in the aerospace sector, recognizing the substantial potential of HIP for 3D-printed medical and aerospace products.
The installation of a Hiperbaric HIP system at TTT Group signifies a critical step in enhancing the performance of metal additive manufactured parts. HIP post-processing addresses porosity and internal defects, crucial for demanding applications like aerospace and oil & gas. This integration boosts fatigue resistance and material consistency, enabling lighter, more reliable components, and further solidifying the role of AM in high-value manufacturing.
Edited by the news editor with AI from the original report — please refer to the original source.