Manufacturing the Future: Special Edition | Page 18

Outfitting an Aerospace Forming Facility
Triform Supplies Seven Press Package to Aerospace Industry Leader
An American manufacturer of aircraft structures , airframe assemblies , and aerospace MRO needed a complete forming solution that would minimize sub-tier supplier issues and maximize the organization ’ s manufacturing flexibility . They ultimately chose Triform because of the firm ’ s unrivaled ability to provide a diverse package of sophisticated forming equipment .
Triform engineers collaborated with the customer to develop a fully-integrated 7-machine package consisting of three sheet hydroforming presses , two stretch forming machines , and two hot joggle presses . 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 while maintaining a single point of contact for service and support .
To accommodate their sheet hydroforming needs , Triform provided one model 2496-5FC fluid cell press with a 24 ” x 96 ” forming chamber to efficiently form large sheet metal parts . It is supplemented with two compact
24-5FC ’ s , each boasting 24 ” -diameter forming areas , intuitive controls , and fast cycle times for increased productivity .
Two 20-ton extrusion stretch forming machines bend and contour aerospace alloys into roll-formed profiles . Unlike traditional forming methods , the stretch forming process creates net shape curves in a single step , considerably reducing production costs .
Two 50-ton hydraulic hot joggle presses supplement the machinery package by allowing the manufacturer to form parts with multiple bends in a single step , saving time and eliminating waste .
Additionally , the near-net-shape part production inherent in the joggle forming process reduces the firm ’ s reliance on 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 experience with aerospace forming applications and diverse engineering and manufacturing capabilities make us the ideal singlesource supplier .”
Triform
Continues Growth in India , Manufactures Two Presses for Leading Aerospace Supplier
An India-based aerospace supplier was looking to expand their capacity to meet the increasing demands of their customers which include Boeing and Airbus . They approached Triform with an interest in sheet hydroforming and stretch forming equipment to fulfill several newly awarded contracts . Triform is the only OEM in the world able to provide such a diverse mix of forming technologies , making them the ideal single-source supplier of precision forming equipment .
To meet the customer ’ s requirements , Triform supplied a tray-style fluid cell sheet hydroforming press and an extrusion stretch forming machine .
Throughout the sales and engineering processes , Triform collaborated with the manufacturer to develop the ideal machinery based on their part requirements .
With a 24 ” x 96 ” forming area and a dual shuttle system to maximize efficiency , the 2496-5FC is ideal for low volume , high mix production in the aerospace industry . The large tray-style machine not only allows the manufacturer to form their large parts utilizing a single tool , but also enables them to form multiple parts in a single cycle , increasing output .
Also included in the package was a
28-ton extrusion stretch form machine . Capable of forming parts up to 120 ” long , the machine boasts recipe handling capabilities and a bar code scanner for easy set-up and repeatable forming results .
“ Triform is proud to support the rapidly growing aerospace market in India ,” said Beckwood President , Jeffrey Debus . “ Our precision machinery and unrivaled service and support capabilities keep us on the leading edge of technology and offer our customers a competitive advantage in the marketplace .”
18 | Manufacturing the Future | Aerospacepresses . com