Piper Aircraft selects hydroform press

Image caption: Piper Aircraft has installed a high-pressure (11,600 psi) hydroforming press, model QFC 1x3-800 from Quintus Technologies.

Quintus Technologies has been selected by Piper Aircraft, a global aircraft manufacturer, to provide a modern, high-pressure hydroform fluid cell press. The hydroform press is destined for the Piper facility in Vero Beach, Florida (USA).

“With our current production line of eight different models of aircraft, it is important that we have modern, reliable and cost-efficient equipment that can meet our rigorous manufacturing demands,” said Piper Chief Operating Officer, James Funk. “The new Quintus press offers minimal downtime while enabling us to manage adjustments to our production schedule.”

The installation will allow Piper to redirect component production from a 40-year-old ASEA press (the former Quintus brand name) that is still operational. Using its high-pressure wire-winding press design, the large forming area and advanced controls give the new press the ability to produce up to one million formed sheet metal parts per year, confirmed the press manufacturer.

The new Quintus press type QFC 1x3-800 generates a press force of 35,000 tonnes across the forming area of 39 x 118 inches (1000 x 3000 mm). The press includes user-friendly features such as equipment serviceability, remote system control and self-diagnostics. It is also equipped with high-pressure hydraulics and a semi-automatic service system for the Quintus flexible rubber diaphragm.

“Flexform™, our hydroforming technology, offers economic and productivity advantages. The press uses a single rigid tool half to form sheet metal parts, significantly reducing tool costs and accelerating tool production, especially for intricately shaped components. The hydroform technology replaces the customary second tool half with a flexible rubber diaphragm, an integral part of the press that fully covers the entire forming area. The high forming pressure—800 bar (11,600 psi)—ensures close-tolerance parts direct from the press, with little or no secondary hand work required,” said Quintus.

Piper Aircraft Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla., produces single- and twin-engine aircraft.

See www.piper.com and www.quintustechnologies.com