11 December 2025: Pretoria, South Africa
A state-of-the-art Hot Isostatic Press (HIP) facility was unveiled at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria today. The facility is designed to support local companies in advancing their products by enhancing the strength and durability of metal components. Its establishment was made possible through National Equipment Programme (NEP) funding from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).
The HIP process involves the densification of metal powders and components through elevated heat and pressure, transforming them into solid, high-performance components, or parts with complex geometries. This process minimises the need for welding or machining, significantly reducing material costs for local manufacturers.
The capability is of particular interest for the development of high-performance metal components for industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, railway and mining. “We assist industries to develop their own pressing processes. We do this by identifying the parameters suitable for the production of a particular component, and we do research based on that,” says Maurice Maliage, a CSIR senior engineer.
The CSIR's team of experts conducts rigorous tests before and after pressing using metrology equipment and X-rays to ensure that the parts are free from pores and potential weak spots or defects. “We start by taking the part into the X-ray machine where we check for defects,” says Maliage. “From there, we measure the dimensions of the part that is going to be pressed, and then we press at a certain temperature and pressure as requested by the client.”
After pressing, the part is again checked for pores or defects, and the dimensions are rechecked to ensure there are no distortions on the components or the material.
Dion Greyling from Metallurgical and Manufacturing Services, an early client of the facility and a local metallurgical company, highlighted the significance of the HIP process: “We are very excited about the reintroduction of the HIP in South Africa, because the HIP is available for development and for possible commercial advancements,” he said.
Greyling emphasised the impact of the HIP facility on the industry: “The actual mechanical properties that we have tested of the HIP product exceed the powder manufacturer’s best, best results ever. It is phenomenal that we can revitalise the industry.”
The Director-General of the DSTI, Dr Mlungisi Cele, accompanied by DSTI Deputy Director-Generals, Mr Imraan Patel (Research, Development and Support) and Dr Mmboneni Muofhe (Socio-economic Innovation Partnerships), restated the department’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that supports innovation and technology localisation.
CSIR CEO, Dr Thulani Dlamini, described the HIP facility as a significant step forward for the manufacturing sector. “For eight decades, we have been true to our mandate of fostering industrial development through science and technology,” he said. “We will continue to seek out opportunities to employ advanced capabilities that strengthen not only our innovation landscape but the robustness of industry and national competitiveness.”
Local inventors and component producers are invited to engage the CSIR on joint technology development collaborations that contribute to the modernisation and revitalisation of South Africa's manufacturing sector.
View introductory video here.
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About the CSIR:
The CSIR, an entity of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, is one of Africa’s leading organisations in scientific and technology research, development and implementation. Constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1945 as a science council, the CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research and technological innovation, as well as industrial and scientific development, to improve the quality of life of all South Africans.
This year, the CSIR celebrates 80 years of touching lives through innovation. For more information, visit www.csir.co.za.
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