Page 28 - MetalForming-Oct-2018-issue

Custom Hydraulic Stamping Press
commercial aerospace orders have picked up recently after a lull earlier this decade.
The new custom press, installed over the summer, is the second Beck- wood machine in Weldmac’s arsenal. The first, a 5000-psi sheet-hydroform- ing press, was delivered in January 2016. Given the frequent tool changes required in a job-shop setting, sheet- hydroforming technology is an ideal
choice for Weldmac because it doesn’t require mated tooling or secondary finishing, yet it yields complex net- shape parts with smooth, scratch-free surfaces.
“Parts seem to be getting bigger and bigger, as does the tooling,” Rugg says. “Parts began exceeding our capacity in tonnage and size. We have the machining capability to build large tools and are adding machining equip-
ment to do more. We need the size and tonnage that this press provides.”
With a large 6 by 7-ft. forming area, the new triple-action press doubles Weldmac’s overall capacity and tonnage capability. Due to the complex part geometries and frequent off-center loading, Beckwood engineered a gib- guided press not only to accommodate Weldmac’s existing part family, but also to support future growth with larger parts.
Press Programmability New for Weldmac
A PLC, absent on Weldmac’s existing triple-action presses, allows for a con- sistent and repeatable process.
“This press runs in semi-automatic mode and is programmable via the PLC,” says Caleb Dixon, Beckwood sales engineer. “By implementing a standardized controls system, opera- tors simply can enter a job number, push the ‘start-cycle’ button and begin producing consistent, repeatable parts in a matter of minutes—vastly reducing the learning curve when compared to a manual press system. Upgrading to programmable controls is a great long- term solution for Weldmac because it reduces the company’s reliance on skilled operators and enhances part quality.”
“We look forward to going from manual to programmable presses,” Rugg adds. “At double the tonnage of our other triple-action presses and with a larger bed size, we’ve already increased capabilities by 50 percent. Ease of use due to programmability should push capabilities to a 60- or 70- percent increase. Operator capability enters into it, but the controls on this press will make jobs easier for a good manual-press operator.”
Triple-Action Technology a Perfect Fit
Similar to Weldmac’s existing triple- action presses, the new machine forms a variety of high-temperature alloys. Forming difficulties inherent in these materials make a triple-action press an excellent choice, according to Dixon,
26 MetalForming/October 2018
www.metalformingmagazine.com