In earlier research, a better understanding of the solidification characteristics for a number of platinum-based alloys was established. The findings demonstrated a strong tendency toward the formation of shrinkage and gas porosity upon solidification, and hot isostatic pressing (HIP), a high-pressure thermal treatment developed as a densification process, was proven to be an effective method to minimize and/or eliminate this porosity.

While the previous results made it clear that porosity had been significantly
reduced following the HIP process, the authors had not yet explored the full range of HIP’s effects in terms of post-processed microstructure and mechanical properties. The goal of this new phase of research is to further our understanding by characterizing the post-HIP effects on platinum-based castings with respect to grain size and shape, chemical distribution, and mechanical strength.

Author(s): Teresa Fryé, Dr. Joseph Tunick Strauss, Dr. Jörg Fischer-Bühner, Dr. Ulrich E. Klotz