Cutting Dynamics and Beckwood develop 75-ton hydraulic press

Aerospace parts suppliers, Cutting Dynamics, have partnered with custom hydraulic press manufacturers, Beckwood Press Company, to develop a 75-ton hydraulic press for hot forming titanium structural components. Process Industry Forum has more details about this pressing collaboration.

Established in 1985, Cutting Dynamics is a leading provider of complex parts for the aerospace and defence industries. Based in Avon, Ohio in the United States, these AS9100 and ISO9001 certified manufacturers specialise in aircraft sheet metal assemblies, kitting, thermoplastic composite fabrication and hydroforming aerospace parts of all shapes and sizes.

When the aerospace parts suppliers needed a custom press for hot forming titanium components, they sought the services of Beckwood Press Company, a leading manufacturer of custom hydraulic presses, automation systems and the Triform line of precision forming equipment.

Even temperature distribution

Capable of temperatures up to 871°C, the custom press that they developed uses electric cartridge heaters to provide even temperature distribution throughout the forming process, which increases the malleability of titanium and reduces spring-back.

Utilising nine zones of heat control in each platen, operators can maintain a constant platen temperature to within +/-5°F throughout the cycle. Plus, automatic insulated door systems increase heat efficiency and maintain the desired temperature set points while facilitating easy part and tool loading.

This press also has capabilities for superplastic forming (SPF). Using a die infused with high-temperature argon gas, SPF presses are able to form high-strength materials into complex geometric shapes in a single operation.

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations

The structure is designed for Infinite Life using Finite Element Analysis (FEA), whereby the simulation software mirrors real-world manufacturing stresses to ensure the press is robust enough to handle even the most taxing applications.

Beckwood’s PressLink^TM remote support module also offers fast, complimentary troubleshooting and facilitates program updates without the need for an on-site service visit.

“We are excited to be working with Beckwood on our hot form press,” said Bill Carson, President of Cutting Dynamics.

“We have been very pleased with the Triform equipment we previously purchased from them and expect our new press to perform at the same high standard.

“It should greatly enhance our product offering and enable us to provide even more complex formed and assembled titanium components to our customer base.”

For more information visit https://beckwoodpress.com.