MTC PS adds large-format HIP from Quintus
October 25, 2022
MTC Powder Solutions, Surahammar, Sweden, has purchased a Hot Isostatic Press (HIP) with a work zone of over 3.5 m from Quintus Technologies, Västerås, Sweden, in an effort to extend the onsite size parameters of the Powder Metallurgy near-net shape HIP components for the oil & gas, chemical, nuclear and power generation.
The press installation is part of a multi-phased plan to expand near-net shape capabilities which began when MTC acquired Sweden’s Sandvik Powder Solutions in 2020. Capitalising on the potential of near-net shape HIP technology as it takes hold in several markets, MTC Powder Solutions (MTC PS) invested in a brand-new facility specifically designed to improve efficiency and boost capacity to support future growth in the near-net shape field across the board.
The new facility will include the Quintus press model QIH 286L M URC®, reputedly one of the largest in Europe. Its hot zone measures 1,600 mm in diameter and 3,500 mm in height, sufficient to accommodate the core components for many different mission-critical applications Operating at a pressure of 150 MPa/21,750 psi and temperatures up to 1250°C, the press produces complex components with which are said to feature improved fatigue strength and extended service life. Quintus’s proprietary Uniform Rapid Cooling (URC®) technology enables increased productivity with temperature control.
“We see a lot of opportunity in the areas of renewables, civil nuclear, small nuclear reactors, and the food industry,” stated Dr Magnus Nyström, Managing Director, MTC PS. “In many of these sectors, the projects are becoming increasingly challenging in terms of higher pressures and more corrosive environments, and there is a strong desire for implementing PM HIP where traditional manufacturing technologies such as forgings and castings fall short.”
As press complexity increases with size, MTC PS stressed the importance of choosing a vendor with a good history in large HIP vessels. The company stated that selecting Quintus was a natural move – not only because of its position in advanced HIP technology, but also because several years previously it installed what the company called the world’s largest HIP for parent company MTC.
MTC PS has also elected to participate in the Quintus® Care Program, a preventative maintenance agreement intended to ensure flawless production, operation, and press performance at a fixed annual cost. The programme provides application support and full access to Quintus HIP knowledge, along with high availability of spare and wear parts and guaranteed, prioritised technical support. Regular inspections and recertification of MTC PS personnel are expected to ensure the highest press reliability and availability.
“Choosing Quintus, a Swedish manufacturer, means that the equipment will be manufactured close to our factory, drastically reducing the environmental impact of transporting the heavy equipment a long distance,” Dr Nyström added. “The proximity also means that the Quintus support team has the opportunity to assist with any challenges that may arise and demonstrate the benefits of the Quintus Care program.”
Jan Söderström, CEO of Quintus Technologies, stated, “As the industry leader for over sixty years, we have seen the need for Hot Isostatic Pressing increase steadily. The push for faster fabrication and lead times favours PM HIP technology as its freedom-of-design benefit can remove costly fabrication processes such as welds and/or machining.
“We are very pleased to welcome MTC PS as our neighbour and our customer,” he continued. “Both companies share a similar focus on customer-driven problem solving and long-term supplier partnerships. We look forward to a bright future working together.”
