Finite element modelling of cold isostatic pressing

Cold isostatic compaction, where a shaped rubber bag is filled with powder, sealed and then subjected to high all-round pressure to produce a compacte d green component, is a common processing route for ceramic components. The key to isostatic pressing is the design of the rubber bag which is in gene ral both different in size and shape from the green body. This paper presen ts: the results of experiments to measure the powder and elastomer properti es; finite element simulations of cold isostatic pressing; and comparisions between the two. The finite element simulations use an elasto-plastic, vol ume hardening plasticity model for the compacting powder and a finite defor mation hyperelastic model for the rubber. The simulations give excellent ag reement with experimental results for the pressed component shape, and high light the importance of including the elastomeric bag within the simulation s. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.