Isostatic Compaction II

Abstract

Particulate matter can be consolidated into shaped bodies by the application of pressure in a fluid by a flexible, nonporous membrane. This process, referred to as “hydrostatic” or “isostatic” pressing, can be modified in a number of important ways which affect the final product produced. For example, pressure can be applied slowly or rapidly, the charge can be de-aired or not, and the powder may be made to load into the flexible membrane densely or loosely. These factors, along with the effect of pressure, particle hardness, size distribution, and granulations, were investigated to establish their effects on the quality of the pressed bodies and subsequent processing. This report presents the results of this investigation from which it has been determined that hydrostatic pressing produced compacts with improved mechanical properties versus die pressing, and that these properties are dependent on the above mentioned factors.