Hot press for a brittle and reactive powder

[MagBen]

i am hot pressing atomized powder, the alloy is brittle and very reactive. oxidation and cracking are the main concerns. I am thinking about de-gas before hot press (no vacuum press capability) and HP under low pressure high temperature. would these techniques help? Other tricks? relatively new on HP, hope to get some help from the group. Thanks!

 

[btrueblood]

Could you purge with inert gas before/during pressing?

 

[EdStainless]

Is it in a can (just mild steel)? Baked out, He purged, vacuum drawn and sealed?
This is how 'common' reactive metal ingots are formed.
I have seen these cans HIPed, forged, extruded, and rolled.

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P.E. Metallurgy, consulting work welcomed

 

[MagBen]

@btrueblood: yes HP is under Ar.
@EdStainless: that is what Carpenter is doing a lot. HIP in a can (carbon steel or stainless), HR/forge, cold roll, remove can... in the new place, just donot have the capabilities.

 

[EdStainless]

You have to do it, there can be no gas within the powder if you want to consolidate it.
It is simple to do, a TIG torch, a way to cut the stock, heating jacket, vacuum pump.
The cans can be as thin as you can handle, I have seen it done with heavy foil (like you wrap parts in for HT).

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P.E. Metallurgy, consulting work welcomed