Quintus Technologies has delivered a hydroform deep-draw press to Electro-Methods, Inc. (EMI), the South Windsor, Conn.-based supplier of turbine engine components. In the face of robust demand from the jet engine industry, the new 4,000 ton press-force press will expand EMI capabilities, further enabling the production of intricate shaped sheet metal parts and assemblies.

“We have a long history in the aerospace fabrication business, and with this new investment we are able offer additional capabilities to our customers, primarily General Electric and Honeywell,” says EMI President Randy Fries. “We are used to tough fabrication demands from our customers and are now well positioned and keen to support the expected ramp-up requirement in the aerospace industry.”

Along with excellent forming capabilities, the Quintus press requires only a single rigid tool half, significantly reducing tool costs. The other half of the tool is a flexible rubber diaphragm under uniform hydrostatic pressure. Material draw ratios of up to 3:1 eliminate several forming operations, intermediate heat treatments, and operator dependencies. The high forming pressure ensures close-tolerance parts direct from the press, with little or no secondary hand work required.

“Electro-Methods has received many awards for its diverse capabilities, which enable the manufacture of the most complex fabrications and assemblies, including flight- safety-critical turbine engine components,” says Jan Söderström, CEO of Quintus Technologies in Sweden.

“The new family of deep-drawing fluid cell presses that Quintus has developed over recent years is specifically aimed at the versatility requirements within the jet engine industry, making this press a good fit for EMI.” adds Ed Williams, Quintus General Manager - Americas, “EMI's choice of the 11,600 psi deep-draw press will support the demand for fabrication of low-weight and very tough metal alloys, required by jet engine designers seeking fabrication solutions for fuel-efficient aircrafts.”