Quick Facts
| Number of Machines | 7 | ||
| Types of Machines | (2) Fluid Cell 24-5fc Sheet Hydroforming Presses (1) Fluid Cell 2496-5fc with Bed Shuttle (2) 20 Ton Extrusion Stretch Forming Machines (2) 50 Ton Hot Joggle Presses | ||
| Industry | Aerospace | ||
| Challenge | Minimize sub-tier supplier issues. | ||
| Solution | By sourcing the machinery from a single supplier, the manufacturer is able to quickly and easily train their operators to use the common controls platform. Additionally, they now have a single point of contact for service and support. | ||
| Challenge | Increase efficiency and uptime. | ||
| Solution | Several supplementary on-board technologies have been included with the presses to help eliminate unplanned downtime. These include: Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), complimentary remote factory support and Preventive Maintenance (PM) performed by factory-trained Beckwood personnel on the user’s factory floor. Since all of the machines utilize the same technology frameworks, training and support have been simplified. | ||
| Results | The presses support the supplier’s major in-house assembly programs directly, thereby minimizing sub-tier supplier issues and maximizing the organization’s manufacturing flexibility. |
A U.S.-based market leader in the manufacture of aircraft structures, airframe assemblies and aerospace MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul), recently received a seven (7) press part forming package from Beckwood Press Company. The comprehensive package, consisting of Triform sheet hydroforming presses, stretch forming machines and hot joggle presses, supports the customer’s mission of increasing its internal metal forming capabilities.
The sheet hydroforming portion of the press package features a Triform 2496-5FC Fluid Cell press with a 24” x 96” forming chamber for efficiently forming sheet metal aero structure parts. It is supplemented with (2) compact 24-5FC’s, each featuring 24” diameter forming areas, intuitive controls and fast cycle times for increased productivity, with reduced maintenance requirements.
The two (2) 20-ton capacity extrusion stretch forming machines are designed to stretch and contour aerospace alloys into a variety of roll formed profiles. The stretch forming process can typically create net shape curves in a single step process which traditionally would require multiple hits with traditional press forming methods as well as hand finishing – considerably reducing production costs.
The two (2) hot joggle hydraulic presses are designed to form parts which require multiple bends, often in opposite directions. As with the sheet hydroforming and stretch forming machines, these joggle presses can form a net shaped part in a single step saving time, helping to eliminate waste and reducing skilled labor.
“This seven-machine project is a terrific example of Beckwood’s ability to solve our customers’ 360- degree manufacturing challenges,” said Beckwood President, Jeffrey Debus. “Our specific experience with aerospace industry forming applications and diverse engineering and manufacturing capabilities make us an ideal single-source supplier.”
View the Triform Line of Specialty Forming Equipment
Speak to an engineer about sheet hydroforming