Beckwood to Deliver 200-Ton Hydraulic Press to Metal Forming Industries
June 17, 2021Comments
Beckwood Press Company, St. Louis, MO, a manufacturer of
custom hydraulic and servo-electric presses, automation systems and the Triform
line of precision forming equipment, has been awarded a contract by Metal
Forming Industries (MFI), Russellville, IN, to manufacture a 200-ton hydraulic
forming press. MFI will use the press, scheduled for delivery later this year, to
form copper components used in the utility industry. The firm manufactures grounding
ferrules, battery terminals, semiconductor components and specialty connectors.
The custom four-post press will feature a Delta high-speed motion controller to achieve positional accuracy within +/-0.005 in. A 20-ton ejection cylinder will strip finished parts from the tool and present them for easy removal. To overcome the deflection caused by point-loading of the tool, Beckwood will add additional rigidity to the press structure. Also included: Beckwood’s proprietary pre-preventive maintenance system, which uses closed-loop monitoring to analyze system performance and notify operators and maintenance crews when service is necessary. The system allows for monitoring, from the press’ HMI, of pump efficiency, safety-system status, filter cleanliness, valve performance, oil condition and other information, to help prevent unplanned downtime.
With a fast approach speed of 373 in./min. and a retract speed of 299 in./min., MFI expects the press to decrease its current cycle times by 50 percent. Explains Mark Easterling, MFI chief engineer: “Management recognized that we have limited surplus capacity. And, with the age of our existing equipment, the potential for unexpected downtime and high repair costs is a major concern. I was given the task to find another press. After searching the used equipment market, it was apparent I was not going to find what we needed. I decided to contact Beckwood, knowing about its ability to build custom presses.”
See also: Beckwood Press Company
Technologies: Stamping Presses
