HIPing is in an autoclave style furnace, where parts are exposed to high temperatures and high gas pressure and later cooled. Parts made of tool steel, duplex, martensitic, and austenitic stainless steels, nickel-based alloys, cobalt-based alloys, titanium and even some carbon steels are frequently HIPed.

HIPing can also be used to densify powdered metals. HIPing powder metals of different sizes or different materials yields a solid. More recently, HIPing is being used in the ceramics industry to prevent defects and breakage.

Within the autoclave, argon gas is typically used to create the pressurized environment. The temperature of the part typically must reach 302°F (150°C) less than the sintering temperature of the material. Pressure within the HIPing unit commonly ranges from around 15,000 PSI to as high as 100,000 PSI, depending on the material of the part.

This combination of temperature and pressure reduces the part’s porosity while maintaining its original shape. Decreased porosity gives the finished component part increased mechanical properties.