A state-of-the-art hot isostatic press (HIP) facility has been unveiled by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in Pretoria, Gauteng, providing South African manufacturers with domestic access to technology that improves the strength and durability of metal components.

The facility was established through National Equipment Programme funding from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).

The HIP process uses heat and pressure to compress metal powders or components into solid parts. It allows manufacturers to create high-performance components or items with complex shapes while reducing the need for welding or machining.

According to the CSIR, the process can reduce material costs for local companies that previously had to send components abroad for similar treatment.

The capability is aimed at supporting the development of metal components for industries including aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, rail and mining.

“We assist industries to develop their own pressing processes. We do this by identifying the parameters suitable for the production of a particular component and we do research based on that,” CSIR senior engineer Maurice Maliage said on December 11.

He explained that the process included extensive testing before and after pressing.

“We start by taking the part into the X-ray machine where we check for defects. From there, we measure the dimensions of the part that is going to be pressed, and then we press at a certain temperature and pressure as requested by the client,” he said.

The components are rechecked afterwards to confirm there are no pores, defects or distortions.

Local metallurgical company Metallurgical and Manufacturing Services (MMS) is among the early users of the facility.

MMS CEO Dion Greyling said the reintroduction of a HIP in South Africa was significant for the sector.

“We are very excited about the reintroduction of the HIP in South Africa, because the HIP is available for development and for possible commercial advancements,” he said.

Greyling said testing had shown strong performance from components treated at the facility.

“The actual mechanical properties that we have tested of the HIP product exceed the powder manufacturer’s best results ever. It is phenomenal that we can revitalise the industry,” he said.

DSTI director-general Dr Mlungisi Cele, who attended the launch with department deputy directors-general Imraan Patel and Dr Mmboneni Muofhe, said the department would continue to support infrastructure for innovation and technology localisation.

“Manufacturing stands as a strategic pillar of our reindustrialisation agenda. Our department is fully committed to this vision. We support incremental improvements and breakthrough technologies.

“We fund research, introduce new technologies into the factories, and build strong local value chains. Our investments are already enabling progress in areas such as manufacturing of additive and mining equipment and advanced facilities such as this one that we are launching today,” Cele said.

CSIR CEO Dr Thulani Dlamini said the new capability aligned with the organisation’s long-standing focus on industrial development.

“For many years, South African manufacturers, researchers and innovators have had to send parts abroad for HIP treatment, leading to delays, higher costs and reduced global competitiveness. Today, we are very proud to say that we have removed this barrier from the manufacturing sector,” he said.

The CSIR has invited local inventors and component producers to pursue joint technology development projects that support the modernisation and revitalisation of South Africa’s manufacturing sector.

“Firstly, it is the first facility of its kind in South Africa. Until now, we did not have an industrial-scale capability in the country suitable for processing titanium products and other metal alloys, an essential step in strengthening South Africa's sovereign capability in advanced manufacturing.

“Secondly, it will enable South African companies to develop metal-based products with enhanced strength and durability. This speaks to the need to increase locally produced components for the rail, mining, automotive and other industries, for local as well as global markets,” Dlamini said.

CSIR HIP facility project manager and technical specialist Shaik Hoosain told Engineering News that, since the HIP was the first of its kind in Africa, there would be significant potential for manufacturers across the continent to make use of the technology.

“There's no facility within the continent of this kind. So one of the strategies as well is to look at the African market and to leverage on our relationships with our African partners and collaborators, and expose them to what we have and make it accessible to Africa as well, and support those initiatives,” he said.