Schweizer Aircraft, a manufacturer of light helicopters, fixed wing aircraft, and airframe components is growing at a rapid pace. To meet production demands, the Elmira, N.Y-based company has purchased the new Flexform QFC 1x2-800 fluid cell sheet metal forming press from Avure Technologies AB in Vasteras, Sweden. Schweizer is a subsidiary of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., which is a United Technologies (NYSE:UTX) company.

Schweizer chose this press because its 1 x 2 meter dual forming beds matched well with the size of the parts being produced. Larger Flexform presses have been used for years by the major airframe manufacturers, but outsourcing of metal parts production to sub-contractors is a growing trend. The QFC 1x2-800, introduced in 2007, is an intermediate-sized press designed especially for component suppliers such as Schweizer. It provides the same high pressure forming capability as the larger presses at a lower capital investment. In just the first year after its introduction, Avure has received three orders for this mid-range model, with two more pending.

In Flexforming, sheet metal blanks are formed over a single rigid, shape-defining tool half by a rubber diaphragm under very high hydrostatic pressure. Benefits include tooling cost savings of 50 to 90 percent, fast prototyping, shorter part lead times, and quick tool change-out for short run flexibility. Forming pressures up to 11,600 psi (800 bar) ensure close-tolerance complex parts with little or no secondary work required.

Schweizer's new Flexform press is was installed in January 2009 and received final acceptance on February 3, 2009.