Quick Facts
| Type of Press | Hydraulic Deep Draw 4 Post Press | ||
| Tonnage | 500 Tons | ||
| Industry | Aerospace, Safety | ||
| Special Features | Programmable Bed Cushion Knockout Cylinder Variable Frequency Drive Fluid Health Monitoring Recipe Handling | ||
| Stroke | 40" | ||
| Challenge | Precisely control cycle parameters. | ||
| Solution | Through the intuitive HMI, operators can program operating parameters such as speed, force, and dwell time, and save the part “recipes” for future use. | ||
| Challenge | Improve energy efficiency. | ||
| Solution | A Parker Hannifin Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) installed on the hydraulic pump allows the frequency and voltage supplied to an electric motor to vary based on the requirements of the press load. Energy savings is available due to a hydraulic circuit which draws energy ‘on demand’ as opposed to the constant demand associated with traditional hydraulic circuits. | ||
| Challenge | Improve up-time and reliability. | ||
| Solution | An onboard press-health monitoring system ensure the hydraulic fluid maintains optimum operating efficiency. Beckwood’s proprietary PressLink remote support module facilitates offsite troubleshooting which saves time and money. It also allows for the remote installation of program updates and operator training without the need for an on-site visit. | ||
| Results | Meggitt is now using their new Beckwood press to take on their entire deep-drawn family of parts. With the increased capabilities offered by their Beckwood press, Meggitt’s deep drawing capabilities are no longer a concern as they push their product lines into the future. |
California-based Meggitt Safety Systems manufactures fire protection equipment, safety apparatuses, and other heat-related sensors for the aerospace industry. While Meggitt’s product lines continually advanced, their aging hydraulic press from 1963 was stuck in a bygone era. They needed a modern forming solution that was more energy-efficient, could offer precise control of cycle parameters, and create and store part “recipes”.
Beckwood analyzed Meggitt’s needs and proposed a 500-ton, multi-action hydraulic deep draw press with 36-in. bolsters. This custom press not only met all of their needs but offered a programmable bed cushion providing dynamic control through four different zones of travel. It also included an intuitive HMI to make operation a breeze.
With Meggitt’s business constantly expanding, reliability was paramount. Beckwood incorporated several uptime-focused features including an on-board diagnostics and press health monitoring system and a PressLink connectivity device which allows Beckwood engineers to remotely connect to the press to install program updates and provide troubleshooting assistance.
Meggitt is now using their Beckwood press to form their entire line of deep-drawn parts. With the flexibility offered by the press, Meggitt’s deep drawing capabilities are no longer a concern as they push their product lines into the future. When asked how the increased capability & flexibility has affected Meggitt’s business, John Krochmal commented, “This is not just a hydraulic press, it is a complete forming solution.”