HIPPERWAVES
High Performance and Cost-Effective Microwave Processing of Metal Parts with Ultra High Isostatic Pressing
The automotive industry is under increasing pressure from environmental and security regulations, driving a crucial shift from traditional steel to more sustainable and cost-efficient light alloys such as aluminium and magnesium. Despite their advantages, the current manufacturing technologies for these materials still face high production costs.
Die Casting (DC) is a well-established technology for producing aluminium parts, particularly for the transport industry. High Isostatic Pressure (HIP) can be applied to DC-produced parts for densification to enhance the performance and durability of these components.
The HIPPERWAVES project aims for a pioneering technology that combines HIP processes with an advanced microwave reactor (MW-HIP). This innovative system promises an efficient and rapid method for producing metal parts with exceptional properties, leveraging the ultrafast and volumetric nature of microwave heating applied to metal powders.
The microwave technology developed in the HIPPERWAVES project will revolutionize the manufacturing and post-processing of metal components, offering unprecedented superior properties. This advancement will significantly enhance the efficiency of HIP processes, resulting in substantial cost reductions. Integrating this technological leap will dramatically streamline the production process, leading to significant material and energy savings and improved component quality.
Preliminary laboratory trials indicate that the application of microwave energy in the HIP process can reduce processing time dramatically, potentially increasing productivity by an order of magnitude and lowering associated costs by a factor of ten.
The HIPPERWAVES project is supported by a strong partnership between two leading entities. The Microwave Division of the ITACA Insitute of the Universitat Politécnica de València (ITACA-DIMAS UPV) brings unparalleled expertise in microwave technology, while ROVALMA S.A., an R&D-intensive SME, excels in the development of steels and other alloys. This interdisciplinary collaboration integrates extensive experience in materials science, mechanics, and industrial design, ensuring the project’s success through their combined expertise and resources.
