Strong Demand for Complex Near-Net Shape HIP Parts Drives Investment in Swedish Production Site
VÄSTERÅS, Sweden, Oct. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- A Quintus Technologies Hot Isostatic Press (HIP) with a work zone of more than 11 feet (3.5 meters) high will significantly extend the onsite size parameters of the Powder Metallurgy Near-Net Shape (PM-NNS) HIP components that MTC Powder Solutions produces for its customers in the oil and gas, chemical, nuclear, and power generation industries.
The press installation is part of a multi-phased plan to expand PM-NNS capabilities that began when Metal Technology Company Ltd. (MTC Ltd.) acquired Sweden's Sandvik Powder Solutions in 2020. Capitalizing on the booming potential as PM-NNS HIP technology 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 PM-NNS field across the board.
The new facility will include the Quintus press model QIH 286L M URC®, one of the largest in Europe. Its super-sized hot zone measures 63 inches (1600 mm) in diameter and 137.8 inches (3500 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 2282°F (1250°C), the press produces complex components with improved fatigue strength and extended service life, ever-more-important characteristics that are difficult to achieve in traditional manufacturing technology. Quintus's proprietary Uniform Rapid Cooling (URC®) technology enables increased productivity with optimal temperature control.
"We see a lot of opportunity in the areas of renewables, civil nuclear, small nuclear reactors, and the food industry," reveals MTC PS Managing Director Dr. Magnus Nyström. "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, it was important for MTC PS to choose a vendor with an excellent track record in large HIP vessels. Selecting Quintus was a natural move, not only because of its position as the industry leader in advanced HIP technology, but also because several years previously it had successfully installed the world's largest HIP for the NNS specialist's parent company, Metal Technology Co. Ltd., in Japan.
MTC PS has also elected to participate in the Quintus® Care Program, a rigorous preventative maintenance agreement that ensures flawless production, operation, and press performance at a fixed annual cost. The program provides application support and full access to Quintus HIP knowledge, along with high availability of spare and wear parts and guaranteed and prioritized technical support. Regular inspections and recertification of MTC PS personnel 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 observes. "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."
"As the industry leader for over 60 years, we have seen the need for Hot Isostatic Pressing increase steadily," says Jan Söderström, CEO of Quintus Technologies. "The push for faster fabrication and lead times favors 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 neighbor and our customer," Mr. Söderström continues. "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," he concludes.
About Quintus Technologies
Quintus Technologies is the global leader in high pressure technology. The company designs, manufactures, installs, and supports high pressure systems in three main areas: densification of advanced materials; sheet metal forming; and high pressure processing for food and beverage innovation, safety, and shelf life. Quintus has delivered over 1,900 systems to customers within industries such as energy, medical implants, space, aerospace, automotive, and food processing. The company is headquartered in Västerås, Sweden, with a presence in 45 countries worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.quintustechnologies.com
About MTC Powder Solutions
MTC Powder Solutions is a world-leading producer of near-net shape (NNS) products produced by hot isostatic pressing (HIP) and has supplied a variety of components utilized in challenging projects throughout the world. The company has extensive experience working with critical components used in a variety of demanding industries such as oil and gas, chemical, nuclear and power generation. This experience has generated deep knowledge of various applications and a dedication to extend the boundaries of what is possible, assisting customers in meeting the challenges of today and achieving their goals of tomorrow. For more information, visit mtcpowdersolutions.com
Media Contact
Peter Henning, Quintus Technologies, 46 736202449, [email protected]
SOURCE Quintus Technologies
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