What is Hot Isostatic Pressing?

How Does Hot Isostatic Pressing Work?

What Applications Is Hot Isostatic Pressing Applicable For?

When being densified within a HIP system, components are processed at pressures up to 207MPa (~30,000PSI) within the chamber. To achieve the required pressure, an inert gas is utilised to prevent chemical reactions within the processed material and the pressure is applied isotropically. Argon is the preferred process gas utilised at Wallwork HIP,  ensuring customer components are processed according to the leading industry standards, which is vital when operating at temperatures up to 1250°c.

HIP systems have historically relied upon natural cooling, which can lead to significantly longer processing times and suboptimal mechanical properties. Uniform Rapid Cooling® by Quintus Technologies removes this problem, allowing the fast and efficient processing of customer parts, whilst allowing specific and optimal cooling rates to be repeatedly selected according to the needs of our customers. Depending on the material and process requirements, components can benefit from specific cooling rates

Examples of this includes:

  • Aluminium Alloys – LM25 / 2024 / 6061 / 7075
  • Titanium Alloys – Ti-6246 / Ti-6AL-4V
  • Low Alloyed Steels – L2 / L6
  • Tool Steel – A2 / D2 / 01 / H13 / M2 / M42 / P20

Known industry variables are utilised to ensure that the components are treated accordingly and exceed customer requirements for the designed product. Whether a short 4-hour cycle is used or a longer process time, Wallwork HIP will be on hand to answer any queries.  The typical processing route for HIP components is shown below. However with HIP in combination with URC® and HPHT as available at Wallwork HIP, it is possible to simplify this typical manufacturing route by optimising the HIP stage and removing the need for post-HIP heat treatment – since this can be performed within the HIP system.

1959

Wallwork Manchester

In 1959, Robert Wallwork (1923-2001) embarked on a journey to establish a company specializing in heat treatment and metallurgical services. After years of gradual expansion, the company relocated to a larger facility in Bury, Greater Manchester, in 1979, a move that marked the beginning of its continuous growth. This journey eventually led the company to its current location in Bury, where, in the present day, it proudly employs over 100 individuals and boasts the UK’s most extensive range of aerospace-approved processes on a single site.

1987

Wallwork Cast Alloys

To meet the demand for heat-resistant castings for its parent company’s heat treatment services, Wallwork Cast Alloys was established. This subsidiary operates from a nearby site, providing castings not only to the entire Wallwork Group, but also to customers worldwide.

1989

Wallwork Birmingham

In a strategic move to further expand the company’s presence across the UK and enhance its service offerings, Wallwork Birmingham was established. As of today, this site employs over 60 dedicated staff and has undergone significant upgrades, including the construction of a bespoke building to house the vacuum department.

1997

Wallwork Cambridge

In 1997, as part of the continuous effort to diversify and broaden its service portfolio, the Wallwork Group acquired Wallwork Cambridge (formerly Tecvac Limited). This acquisition introduced a range of new services to the group, encompassing coatings and machine build services. Wallwork Cambridge specializes in providing various types of coatings tailored to specific applications, such as Nitron™ Flight for aerospace applications or Nitron™ MC for aesthetically focused products like watches.

2006

NADCAP Approval

Wallwork Manchester became the first Wallwork site to join the Nadcap program, gaining approval to offer thermal processes according to the highest global standards fixed for the aviation industry. The site would later build upon this approval by adding many more direct customer approvals and striving for continuous improvement.

2017

Wallwork Newcastle

To extend its services to new regions, including the North East and Scotland, the Wallwork Group acquired Wallwork Newcastle (formerly Metaltech). This site has seamlessly integrated into the group and now offers specialised processes that were previously unavailable.

2023

Wallwork HIP Centre

Wallwork HIP is located within a dedicated 2500 square metre facility, adjacent to the main heat treatment works in Bury, Greater Manchester, UK. Since November 2023, the site has been fully operational, supporting the subcontract HIP service needs of customers across a range of manufacturing sectors.

2024

Second HIP Unit Ordered

Due to continued demand and the success of the first unit, expansion was planned to accommodate a second unit. Originally working to a timeline of 2025, the process had been expedited, due to the high demand, further increasing our capacity.

Our Team

James Bailey
Director

James began with Wallwork Heat Treatment in 2014 working as a chemical engineer on various projects and moving through the production processes. In his time at Wallwork, James has been involved with production and management roles including setting up the Newcastle site, working in Aerospace and assisting customers to help meet requirements.

David Loughlin
HIP Business Manager

David has 15 years’ commercial and general management experience within HIP, heat and surface treatment businesses. Since 2015 David has been focussed on HIP, helping customers within Aerospace, Formula 1, Industrial Gas Turbine, Medical, Tooling and several other technically demanding markets, improving parts using HIP technology.

Andy Day
Sales Engineer

Andy has 10 years’ experience in Heat Treatment and the processing of precious metals. Starting in production at Wallwork before moving in to a technical sales role overseeing general thermal processes, plasma nitriding and niche market sectors such as Motorsport.

Ross Greenhalgh
Process Engineer

Ross has more than 10 years experience, working in a variety of areas, such as heat treatment and foundry casting. With his in-depth understanding of customer applications within commercial sector, he has advised on where enhancements can be utilised.

James Burns
Process Engineer

Graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, James typifies the new generation of engineers that will ensure the continuing success of Wallwork. Joining us in 2019, as an engineer, he has quickly progressed to be a production / project engineer in 2023. Mainly focused on the Vacuum Carburising sector of the business – directly communicating and working with customers, processing their work to the highest standards. James is now bringing his growing experience to the Wallwork HIP Centre, with the aim of project managing in the near future.

Jonathan Heywood
Process Engineer

Joining Wallwork in ’89 as a foundryman, Jonathan brings over three decades of diverse expertise across the company. With roles spanning transport, heat treatment, sales and contract review, his extensive experience underscores his invaluable contribution to various departments. His recent foray into Wallwork HIP Centre further demonstrates his adaptability and commitment to advancing the company’s capabilities.

Working with the UK’s largest private heat treatment company encompasses a multitude of elements that collectively deliver unparalleled value to our clientele. At Wallwork Group, we recognise the uniqueness of every business. Our approach, therefore, is always customised to align with each customer’s distinct needs, ensuring that the solutions we provide resonate with their specific goals and objectives. This commitment to tailoring our services, remains a fundamental aspect of our corporate values, where our triumph is intricately tied to our customers’ success.

Our team comprises highly skilled professionals across all facets of our business. They are not only driven by a deep passion for their work, but also dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes. You can rest assured that your needs take centre stage, and exceeding your expectations is our primary focus.

With our vast array of heat treatment processes at the Wallwork Group, you can trust that we are fully committed to surpassing customer expectations and optimising our processes for maximum efficiency. Whether it’s stress relieving, solution treatment, or rigorous quality control, rest assured that our services consistently surpass the required standards, solidifying your company’s standing in the marketplace.

Our treatments include:

• Carburising
• Brazing
• Solution Treatments
• Age Hardening
• Annealing
• Normalise
• Precipitation Hardening

• Nitron™ C
• Nitron™ CA
• Nitron™ DLC
• Nitron™ MC
• Nitron™ Ti
• Nitron™ CX
• Nitron™ DX

• Carburising
• Carbonitriding
• Harden & Temper
• Annealing
• Oil Blacking
• Shot Blasting
• Bead Blasting

• Gas Nitriding
• Plasma Nitriding

• Solution Treatment
• Age Hardening


• Hardness Testing
• Coating Adhesion
• Compositional Analysis
• Coating Thickness
• Volume Metrology

• Reduce Austenite
• Increase Martensite

• Heat Resistant Castings
• Pattern Making
• Nickel Chromium Based

• Tufftride™
• Tufftride QPQ™
• Salt Bath Nitrocarburise

Additional Services:

  • Stress Relieving
  • Manganese Phosphate
  • Pit Furnaces
  • DLC Carbon
  • Degreasing
  • Chemical Blacking
  • Induction Hardening
  • Research & Development
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At the Wallwork Group, we take immense pride in the esteemed reputation of our transportation division. Our fleet is both modern and diverse, covering extensive regions across the United Kingdom. With a range of vehicles spanning from small vans to 18-ton HGVs, we offer an unparalleled level of service and flexibility. Our uniformed drivers are not only exceptionally trained but also highly motivated to provide the utmost in customer service excellence. From the moment we collect your goods, to their delivery, the Wallwork Group assumes full responsibility for their care.

To find out when our transport is in your area, please input the first three digits of the postcode and the table will display the availability for collect in that area. If you would like to book a collection, either add a request on our customer portal, email [email protected] or call 0161 797 9111.