Transactions of the Royal Microscopical Society

Part 1 Introduction: what is Hot Isostatic Pressing?; the distinction between isostatic and unidirectional pressing; how is a specified shape achieved with HIPping?; pressures and temperatures of HIPping; applications of HIPping; an example - HIPping to densify castings; the rapid increase in the use of HIPping. Part 2 Science of HIPping: origin of pores; pore closure during sintering. Part 3 Technology of HIPping: the pressure vessel; the furnace; pressurising gas; encapsulation; surface-connected porosity; furnace furniture; the HIPping cycle; control; quality assurance. Part 4 Castings: low cost castings; medium cost castings; high cost castings; effect of HIPping on welds. Part 5 Pre-sintered components: hardmetals; pre-sintered ceramics. Part 6 Tool steels; superalloy powders; ceramic powders; metal matrix composites; shape control during processing; non-destructive testing. Part 7 Diffusion bonding: the nature of diffusion bonding; HIP diffusion bonding; encapsulation; HIP parameters; use of interlayers; applications; evaluation of diffusion bonded joints. Part 8 Specialized applications: fabrication of optical materials; consolidation of carbon/carbon composites; synthesis of ceramics; pressure oxidation of silicon; gas encapsulation; high Tc superconductors. Part 9 HIPping in comparisons with other processes: uniaxial pressing and sintering; uniaxial pressing for diffusion bonding; cold isostatic pressing (CIP); pressure-assisted sintering (PAS); sinter/HIP; consolidation by atmospheric pressure (CAP); pseudo-HIP processes; powder injection moulding (PIM); dynamic powder compaction (DPC); powder pre-form consolidation by working; imporvements in forging; improved methods of casting; spray-forming; semi-solid processing; costs of HIPping and integration into the manufacturing route; future developments.