Piper Aircraft is to add a modern high pressure hydroform fluid cell press from Quintus to its production capabilities. The hydroform press is destined for the Piper facility in Vero Beach, Florida.

"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," says Piper Chief Operating Officer James Funk. "The new Quintus press offers minimal downtime while enabling us to manage adjustments to our production schedule."

The new Quintus press type QFC 1x3-800 generates a press force of 35,000 tonnes across the entire forming area of 39 x 118 inches (1000 x 3000 mm), a technical challenge handled by the well-proven Quintus wire-winding pre-stress technology. The new press includes user-friendly features such as equipment serviceability, remote system control, and a high degree of self-diagnostics. The press is also equipped with state-of-the art high pressure hydraulics and a semi- automatic service system for quick and easy service of the unique Quintus flexible rubber diaphragm. Its reliable design, small product footprint, and relatively low equipment weight facilitate quick and easy installation on the factory floor, without the need for a pit and causing minimal disruption to ongoing production.

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 - a testament, the company says, to the reliability of the unique Quintus 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.

"We are very pleased that Piper once again turned to us to fulfill its sheet metal forming needs," comments Ed Williams, General Manager – Americas, Quintus Technologies. "Given the advanced design and productivity of today's press models, coupled with Quintus's exceptional application support and forming knowledge, we believe Piper will see a rapid payback on investment, especially compared to the traditional low pressure systems available on the market."

Flexform, Quintus's advanced yet time-tested hydroform technology, has long offered several economic and productivity advantages. The press uses a single rigid tool half to form sheet metal parts with great accuracy and repeatability, 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.

"We have a long and strong business relationship with Piper Aircraft and are pleased to see it continue with this installation," adds Jan Soderstrom, CEO of Quintus Technologies. "Piper's investment in an additional Quintus press tells us that our products and services are appreciated. We continuously work hard to improve our technology and our performance, in order to maximise value to our customers."

The new press is supplied with the Quintus Care Program, a rigorous long- term agreement that ensures flawless production, press operation, and maintenance. The program provides for forming process and tool design support, high availability of spare and wear parts, and guaranteed and prioritised technical support. It also includes annual press inspections, training, and recertification of customer personnel to maintain and elevate their skills.

"Not only does the Quintus fluid cell press offer increased operating efficiency and reliability, the service and support that we receive is exceptional and truly exemplifies Quintus's commitment to customer satisfaction," Funk notes.