St. Louis, MO – Beckwood Press Company, a leading manufacturer of custom hydraulic and servo-electric presses, automation systems, and the Triform line of precision forming equipment, has partnered with aerospace parts supplier Cutting Dynamics to design and manufacture a 75-ton hydraulic press used to hot form titanium structural components.
Capable of temperatures up to 1600°F, the custom press uses electric cartridge heaters to provide even temperature distribution throughout the forming process, increasing the malleability of titanium and reducing springback. Utilizing nine zones of heat control in each platen, operators can maintain a constant platen temperature to within +/-5°F throughout the cycle. Additionally, automatic insulated door systems increase heat efficiency and maintain the desired temperature set points while facilitating easy part and tool loading.
Like all Beckwood presses, the structure is designed for Infinite Life using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The simulation software mirrors real-world manufacturing stresses to ensure the press is robust enough to handle the most taxing applications. Additionally, Beckwood’s PressLinkTM remote support module 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.”
About Cutting Dynamics
Established in 1985, Cutting Dynamics is a leading provider of complex parts for the aerospace and defense industries. Their 165,000 sq. ft. facility in Avon, OH specializes in aircraft sheet metal assemblies, kitting, Thermoplastic composite fabrication, and hydroforming aerospace parts of all shapes and sizes. Cutting Dynamics is an AS9100 and ISO9001 certified facility.