Simtec Soft Sweden AB, based in Lund, Sweden, has introduced a simulation framework for Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) processes that uses a digital twin to provide insights into the complex thermal, gas flow, and material behaviours during HIP operations. Simtec’s holistic methodology integrates advanced computational tools as well as robust mathematical and physical models.

Industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy and Additive Manufacturing demand precise material properties and defect-free components, explains Simtec. Traditional trial-and-error methods for HIP processes are costly, time-intensive, and inefficient.

Simtec’s digital twin simulation framework optimises thermal management, reducing operational costs, and enhancing product quality. By incorporating Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), advanced algorithms, and fully coupled physical models, Simtec delivers accurate predictions of temperature gradients, gas flow, and material responses, enabling consistent, high-performance results.

In addition to thermal field simulation modules, Simtec has developed a Solid Mechanics Module that offers fully coupled stress, strain, and deformation calculations based on 3D thermal history simulations.

Simtec’s simulation software models the entire HIP process using CFD methods, advanced algorithms and robust physical models to numerically solve the complete governing equations for heat transfer, gas flow, and material behaviour. Unlike simplified empirical formulas, Simtec’s models capture the intricate interactions of radiation, convection, and conduction within the HIP furnace and the material itself, providing detailed insights into thermal dynamics and temperature gradients throughout the machine

Author: Andy Cormack