Macclesfield-based Bodycote, the world’s largest thermal processing services provider, is expanding its hot isostatic pressing (HIP) capability in Greenville, South Carolina.

The new HIP capacity, which will be online by the end of 2022, will focus on developments in AM and advanced materials. The two additional vessels further extend the company’s comprehensive range of installed capacity across the world.

Bodycote’s Greenville site is a Nadcap-accredited, holds several core OEM approvals and features numerous vacuum furnaces and other capabilities well suited to support the company’s additive manufacturing (AM) customers. The Greenville site will serve the aerospace, defense, medical and general industrial customers throughout the southeastern region of the USA.

Stephen Harris, Bodycote Group chief executive, said: “We are pleased to address our customer needs by bringing HIP services closer to their facilities. With the largest HIP operational capacity in the world, our continued investment demonstrates Bodycote’s commitment to align resources to serve our customers across North America.”

Having established industry expertise over decades, Bodycote has more than 50 HIP vessels of varying sizes in multiple locations. Processing capabilities can accommodate components that are nominally up to 6.5ft in diameter by 12ft high and weighing over 65,000lbs.