Quintus High-Pressure Fluid Cell press takes metal forming to next level at Trestad Laser

The Swedish firm Trestad Laser AB, a subcontractor supplying sheet metal components to GKN Aerospace and Siemens Industrial Turbomachinery, among others, will expand capacity with the acquisition of a state-of-the-art High-Pressure Fluid Cell Press from Quintus Technologies in Vasteras, Sweden.

The investment in the Quintus Fluid Cell Press is driven by Trestad Laser's growth strategy, a high priority for the second generation of the Andersson family, which owns and manages the company. Along with offering advanced laser cutting, welding, machining, and milling, by adding the new press Trestad Laser takes its metal forming capabilities to the next level, enabling the production of sheet metal components with complex geometries in materials that are challenging to form. The Quintus technology is particularly suitable for small series production.

"The decision to invest in a Quintus press really takes us back to our roots," says Trestad Laser founder Jan Andersson, who, while retired, remains active on the board. "Several years ago, I took over the Quintus press operations from Volvo Flygmotor, which now is GKN Aerospace, and continued the business within Trestad Svets, today Siemens Industrial Turbomachinery."

Notes Per Andersson, who, together with brothers Patrick, Peter, and Magnus, oversees the company today, "We started out with welding and shaping, and the business has been focused on laser for years, but our assessment is that demand for shaped details will increase. That is why we have chosen to invest in modern high-pressure equipment from Quintus. Our customers often demand complex and unique components made of materials that are hard to form, in relatively short series, and with high demand for short delivery times. The Quintus technology is well suited to meet those requirements.

"The investment also allows us to certify the company according to AS9100, the international standard which the aviation industry requires from its subcontractors," he continues. "Our assessment is that the certification will have several positive side effects in other areas of our business."

The QFM 1.1-800 Quintus fluid cell press applies a forming pressure of 800 bar, corresponding to 8,000 tons, distributed over a forming area of 1100 mm (43 inches). The press will be put into operation at Trestad's plant in Trollhattan, Sweden, during early summer 2018. The unique Quintus process requires only one rigid tool half, while the other tool half is replaced by a flexible rubber diaphragm under uniform hydrostatic pressure. This design approach generates significant tool cost savings and shortens the time needed for tool production.

"The order from Trestad Laser is important to us in serveral respects," says Jan Soderstrom", CEO of Quintus Technologies. "Trestad's strong connection to turbine production for stationary gas turbines, as well as for jet engines, gives us an influential technology reference at home. In addition to the equipment, the delivery also includes a long-term cooperation agreement, where both parties can benefit from each other.

Quintus contributes with its many years of experience in formation and tooling, as well as a robust global network within the aviation industry. Trestad Laser is recognized as an effective and results- oriented company that knows how to proceed from an idea into a production solution that fits the market. For us Trestad Laser is an ideal reference," Soderstrom concludes.