A high pressure fluid cell press from Quintus Technologies will boost efficiencies and lower production costs for Thailand's JINPAO Precision Industry, a specialist in the manufacture of structural sheet metal and machined parts. The Quintus press model QFC 0.7x1.8- 1400 has been installed in the company's vertically integrated fabrication facility in Samut Prakan, near the soon-to-be-expanded airport that serves metropolitan Bangkok.

The Flexform press will be used for forming parts of the aerostructure, aerosystems, and interiors for various types of aircraft, fixed wing and rotary. It features a sizeable work area of 27.6 x 73 inches (700mm x 1800mm), which can accommodate 90 per cent of the forming parts requested by JINPAO customers.

Operating at a high forming pressure of 1,400 bar (20,000psi), the fluid cell press is well suited to applications requiring close-tolerance parts, with little or no need for secondary hand work. The advanced hydroform process utilises a unique combination of a single rigid tool half, operating in conjunction with a flexible rubber diaphragm under uniform high hydrostatic pressure, to form sheet metal parts with great accuracy and repeatability. This technology introduces several production efficiencies by eliminating forming steps, intermediate heat treatments, and manual pre- and post-forming operations. Quintus says it also generates significant tool cost savings and speeds up tool production, especially for intricately shaped components.

"Thailand's future in the aerospace sector is clear for all to see," observes Somsak Norvong, Vice Managing Director at JINPAO, referencing the nation's commitment to boost its share of the growing Asia Pacific aviation business.

"The market is stabilising after the COVID-19 pandemic. With the airplane purchase orders made by low-cost carriers, as well as the emergence of the MRO sector, it can be expected that the further infrastructure improvements required to accommodate the production of aircraft parts and aircraft-related products will be forthcoming.

"In comparison with stamping, Flexform is a cost-saving solution," Norvong adds. "We're very glad that Qunitus was able to deliver this high-quality press during this pandemic period."

"JINPAO's research confirmed that our hydroform technology is more flexible and cost-efficient than other sheet metal forming processes," says Jan Soderstrom, CEO of Quintus Technologies. "We are pleased to support their dynamic team as the company expands its role as a strategic supplier to international aircraft manufacturers."