Isostatic presses are used for compressing pharmaceutical particles and raw material in to pre determined shapes. The use of this pressurizing system ensures a uniform compaction pressure throughout the powder mass and a homogeneous density distribution in the final product. It is one of the most widely used pharmaceutical processing machines.
Working of Isostatic Press
Isostatic pressing is enabled to produce various types of materials from powder compacts by reducing the porosity of powder mixture. The powder mixture is compacted encapsulated using isostatic pressure, by using pressure equally from all directions. Isostatic pressing confines the metal powder within a flexible membrane or hermetic container which acts as a pressure barrier between the powder and the pressurizing mediums, liquid or gas, that surrounds it.

Two main types of machines used for compressing
Cold Isostatic Press
Cold isostatic pressing the isostatic pressure is created by applying the external pressure onto the water or oil and subsequently onto the encapsulated powder mixture. Cold Isostatic Press or CIP functions at room temperature, and is a compaction process which turns powders into compact shapes by placing them in a mold. A liquid (mixture of oil and water) is pumped in and pressure is created to get a uniform product. This process ensures uniform- density products leading to reduction of internal stress and elimination of cracks and strains.

Hot Isostatic Press
Hot isostatic Press (HIP) works at elevated temperatures and uses certain gas mixtures heated to a very high temperature and pressure to process powders and other raw material into dense products. A hot gas is introduced into the HIP furnace to add density to materials being compacted.

Advantages of Isostatic Press

•  Powder is compacted with the same pressure in all directions, and, since no lubricant is needed, high and uniform density can be achieved.
• The process removes many of the constraints that limit the geometry of parts compacted unidirectionally in rigid dies.
• It is applicable to difficult-to-compact and expensive materials such as superalloys, titanium, tool steels, stainless steel, and beryllium, with material utilization that is highly efficient.
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Application of Isostatic Press

• Pharmaceuticals
• Explosives
• Chemicals
• Food
• Nuclear fuel

Ferrites