Multi-Action Draw Forming
Safety Systems ’ Hydraulic Deep Draw Press is a “ Complete Forming Solution ”
California-based Meggitt Safety Systems manufactures fire protection equipment , safety apparatus , 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 the cycle parameters , and create and store part recipes .
Beckwood Press Company analyzed Meggitt ’ s needs and proposed a
500-ton , 36 ” x 36 ” deep draw hydraulic press . 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 uptimefocused features including an on-board diagnostics system with press health monitoring and a PressLink connectivity device which allows Beckwood engineers to remotely access the press for program updates and 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 line into the future . When asked how the increased capability has affected Meggitt ’ s business , John Krochmal commented , “ This is not just a hydraulic press , it ’ s a complete forming solution .”
This fire-suppression bottle , used for aircraftengine extinguishing , was made from deep draw components .
Triple-Action Press Forms Complex Turbine Engine Components for Weldmac
Established in 1968 , Weldmac is offers laser cutting and welding for a variety of materials as well as machining , press-brake forming , hydroforming , and spinning .
“ We ’ ve had a great deal of success supplying turbine-engine components , combustion liners , housings , and detailed parts for aerospace customers ,” said Weldmac president , Marshall Rugg .
Their latest machinery purchase , a custom
800-ton triple-action hydraulic press from Beckwood , will help Weldmac handle an influx of exhaust components produced for commercial stationary turbine engines as well as other complex deep drawn aerospace parts .
“ At twice the tonnage of our other tripleaction presses and with a larger bed , we ’ ve already increased capabilities by 50 %,” said Rugg . “ Ease of use due to programmability should increase capabilities 60-70 %.”
The triple-action press consists of a punch or forming tool on the main draw ram , a clamp ram in the middle , and a knockout cylinder and / or bed cushion on the bottom . The clamp ram , which offers individual tonnage control on each cylinder , is engaged throughout the forming process to control material flow and reduce wrinkling and tearing within the part . By giving Weldmac the ability control material flow , they achieve greater success in forming parts .
Unique to all Beckwood triple-action presses is the ability of the lower ram to serve either as a knockout for part ejection or as a cushion , depending on
tooling requirements . Proportional control valves regulate the bed cushion , enabling dynamic control through four different travel zones . Through the press ’ HMI and recipe settings , operators can specify a desired bed cushion force at any position within each zone .
“ We excel at building complex assemblies and components ,” says Rugg . “ When we do a good job , a new customer gives us more things to do . New press capacity and capability helps us handle that .”