Kin-Tech Warm Isostatic Press Equipment: Features, Applications and Benefits

Introduction

Warm Isostatic Press (WIP) equipment by KinTek offers a range of features, applications, and benefits that make it a valuable tool for various industries. WIPs are designed to provide temperature uniformity and high densification while minimizing density variation. With its ability to process materials in a dry state and its strength and accuracy, WIPs offer advantages over general press machines. KinTek's WIP units are equipped with custom modes for special functions, touch screen interfaces, and computer-based graphical operation interfaces, making them user-friendly and versatile. In this blog post, we will explore the design, applications, features, and benefits of KinTek's WIP equipment.

Design and Application of Warm Isostatic Presses (WIP)

Design of WIPs by KinTek

Warm isostatic pressing (WIP) is a variant of cold isostatic pressing (CIP) that includes a heating element. It employs warm water or a similar medium to apply uniform pressure to powdered products from all directions.

Warm isostatic pressing (WIP) is a cutting-edge technology that enables isostatic pressing at a temperature that does not exceed the boiling point of the liquid medium. This process typically involves utilizing flexible materials as a jacket mold and hydraulic pressure as a pressure medium to shape and press the powder material.

The Warm isostatic pressing process typically involves heating the liquid medium first and then continuously injecting the heated liquid medium into a sealed pressing cylinder through a booster source. To ensure the accuracy of temperature control, the pressing cylinder is equipped with a heating element.

Applications of WIPs

KinTek designs and builds Warm Isostatic Presses for many applications. These systems can be gas or liquid pressurized and are often used for plastics and laminated products. WIPs are usually purpose-built and can be low pressure all the way to extreme pressures. Liquid WIP systems range to 250°C and gas WIP systems can go to 500°C.

Different Types of WIP Systems

Both cold and hot wall versions of WIP systems can be supplied. KinTek has worked with many companies to develop the molding and technologies required to make the process cost-effective and possible. AIP has toll WIP capabilities and can offer testing to interested parties.

Collaboration with Companies for Molding and Technologies Development

KinTek collaborates with companies to develop the molding and technologies required for Warm Isostatic Pressing. With their expertise and experience, they can help companies make the process cost-effective and feasible.

Key Features of WIP Units:

• WIP units can be designed for other applications requiring artificial pressure.
• Custom modes can be developed when special functions are required.
• WIP systems for production use water or oil thermal fluid and are heated using external circulation heaters.
• The touch screen with computer-based graphical operation makes the interface user-friendly and easy to use.

Features of WIP Unit

Design for Various Applications

The WIP Unit is designed to be versatile and can be used in various applications. It is suitable for manufacturers in the electronics industry as a cost-effective means of compacting different shaped parts. Additionally, it can be used in processes such as annealing, brazing, ceramic injection molding (CIM), debinding, degassing, drying, metal injection molding (MIM), pyrolysis, quenching, rapid prototyping, sintering, soldering, sublimation, synthesis, and tempering.

Custom Mode for Special Functions

The WIP Unit offers a custom mode that allows for special functions to be performed. This includes the ability to set pressure increasing speed, pressure holding time, pressure value, and pressure decreasing speed according to technical requirements. It also allows for multi-pressure section processes, pressure curve display, storage, and exporting.

Utilization of Thermal Fluid

The WIP Unit utilizes a thermal fluid, such as oil or water, for the compacting process. This allows for the compaction of parts at both pressure and low temperature, up to 100°C. The use of thermal fluid helps to achieve higher strength, better processability, and lower internal stress in the produced parts.

Touch Screen and Computer-Based Graphical Operation Interface

The WIP Unit features a touch screen and computer-based graphical operation interface. This allows for easy and intuitive control of the unit's functions. The interface displays critical information such as furnace temperature, vacuum gauge readings, and pump temperatures. It also provides options for data logging, real-time trend display, and exporting data for analysis and reporting.

The touch screen interface also enables remote monitoring and control of the unit from a supervisor's or maintenance office. This can be done using a PC and/or human-machine interface (HMI) software. The remote control capability allows for greater flexibility and convenience in monitoring and managing the equipment.

The WIP Unit's touch screen interface also includes advanced controllers that meet complex process requirements. It provides simple and direct operation, flexible programming, over-temperature and fault alarm, automatic safety protection, and multi-level password-protected interface for enhanced security.

In summary, the WIP Unit is a versatile and efficient solution for various applications. Its custom mode allows for special functions, while the utilization of thermal fluid helps achieve optimal results. The touch screen and computer-based graphical operation interface provide ease of use and advanced control capabilities.

Benefits of WIP Compared to General Press Machine

Temperature Uniformity Performance

WIP (Warm Isostatic Pressing) offers excellent temperature uniformity performance compared to general press machines. Traditional heated platen presses lack uniform pressure distribution, leading to dimensional variations on different sides of the parts. WIP, on the other hand, applies equal and uniform pressure on all surfaces, resulting in consistent and precise temperature control.

Ability to Process in Dry State

Unlike general press machines, WIP has the advantage of processing materials in a dry state. This means that powders can be isostatically pressed without the need for water, lubricants, or binders. The ability to process in a dry state offers greater flexibility and eliminates the need for additional steps in the manufacturing process.

Strength and Accuracy

WIP offers excellent strength and accuracy compared to general press machines. The compacting process in WIP leads to improved densification of the powder, resulting in stronger and more durable finished products. Additionally, the precise control of pressure in WIP ensures accurate and consistent dimensions of the finished products.

High Densification and Low Density Variation

WIP excels in achieving high densification and low density variation in the finished products. The compaction process in WIP improves the density of the powder, resulting in more uniform and consistent density throughout the product. This leads to improved mechanical properties and performance of the finished products.

In summary, WIP offers several advantages over general press machines. Its temperature uniformity performance, ability to process in a dry state, strength and accuracy, and high densification with low density variation make it a preferred choice for manufacturing high-quality and precise products.

Conclusion

In conclusion, KinTek's Warm Isostatic Press Equipment offers a range of features, applications, and benefits that make it a valuable tool for various industries. The design of WIPs by KinTek ensures versatility and customization for different applications, while the collaboration with companies allows for molding and technology development. The features of the WIP unit, such as the utilization of thermal fluid and the touch screen interface, enhance its usability and efficiency. Furthermore, the benefits of WIP compared to general press machines, including temperature uniformity, dry state processing, and high densification, make it a superior choice for achieving strength, accuracy, and low density variation in manufacturing processes.