Method and device for hot isostatic pressing of alloyed materials

Abstract

A method and container for forming billets using hot isostatic pressing is provided. The method and container prevent or minimize the diffusion of metals between a high value powder alloy and the container used for hot isostatic pressing. In one exemplary embodiment, a diffusion barrier is placed on the container between the powder and the container to control diffusion therebetween.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A container for compaction processing of a powder, the container comprising:
 a container top;   a container bottom;   an outer wall located between and connecting said container top and said container bottom to define an interior for the receipt of the powder; and   a diffusion barrier positioned along said container top, bottom and outer wall so as to separate the container from the powder during the compaction processing.   
     
     
         2 . A container for compaction processing of a powder as in  claim 1 , wherein said diffusion barrier comprises a metal foil positioned on said container top, said container bottom, and said outer wall. 
     
     
         3 . A container for compaction processing of a powder as in  claim 1 , wherein said diffusion barrier comprises a ceramic coating. 
     
     
         4 . A container for compaction processing of a powder as in  claim 1 , wherein said diffusion barrier comprises a metal oxide coating. 
     
     
         5 . A container for compaction processing of a powder as in  claim 1 , wherein said diffusion barrier is positioned upon said container top, said container bottom, and said outer wall by plating. 
     
     
         6 . A container for compaction processing of a powder as in  claim 1 , wherein said diffusion barrier is positioned upon said container top, said container bottom, and said outer wall by vapor deposition. 
     
     
         7 . A container for compaction processing of a powder as in  claim 1 , wherein said diffusion barrier is constructed from one or more of the group consisting of metal nitrides, sulphides, carbides, carbon nitrides or metal oxides. 
     
     
         8 . A container for compaction processing of a powder as in  claim 1 , wherein said diffusion barrier is constructed from one or more of the group consisting of tantalum, gold, silver, or copper. 
     
     
         9 . A container for compaction processing of a powder, the container comprising:
 a container top;   a container bottom; and   an outer wall located between and connecting said container top and said container bottom to define an interior for the receipt of the powder;   wherein one or more of said container top, said container bottom, and said outer wall are constructed from the same or similar alloy composition as the powder.   
     
     
         10 . A method for improving the use of material during hot isostatic pressing, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing a container for the receipt of a powder intended for hot isostatic pressing, the container comprising a top, a bottom, and an outer wall connecting the top and the bottom to define an interior of the container;   positioning a diffusion barrier along the container so as to separate the powder from the container during the hot isostatic pressing;   inserting a powder into the interior of the container; and   submitting the container to hot isostatic pressing while preventing or minimizing the diffusion of elements between the container and the powder.   
     
     
         11 . A method for improving the use of material during hot isostatic pressing as in  claim 10 , further comprising the step of selecting a material for the diffusion barrier that will prevent or inhibit the diffusion of elements between the container and the powder during the hot isostatic pressing. 
     
     
         12 . A method for improving the use of material during hot isostatic pressing as in  claim 10 , wherein the diffusion barrier comprises a metal foil positioned on the top, bottom, and outer wall of the container. 
     
     
         13 . A method for improving the use of material during hot isostatic pressing as in  claim 10 , wherein the diffusion barrier comprises a ceramic coating. 
     
     
         14 . A method for improving the use of material during hot isostatic pressing as in  claim 10 , wherein the diffusion barrier comprises a metal oxide coating. 
     
     
         15 . A method for improving the use of material during hot isostatic pressing as in  claim 10 , wherein the diffusion barrier is positioned upon the top, bottom, and outer wall by plating. 
     
     
         16 . A method for improving the use of material during hot isostatic pressing as in  claim 10 , wherein the diffusion barrier is positioned upon the top, bottom, and outer wall by vapor deposition. 
     
     
         17 . A method for improving the use of material during hot isostatic pressing as in  claim 10 , wherein the diffusion barrier is constructed from one or more of the group consisting of metal nitrides, sulphides, carbides, carbon nitrides or metal oxides. 
     
     
         18 . A method for improving the use of material during hot isostatic pressing as in  claim 10 , wherein the diffusion barrier is constructed from one or more of the group consisting of tantalum, gold, silver, or copper.