A Beckwood deep draw press.

Beckwood Press Co. has received a contract from Columbia Metal Spinning, a Chicago-based producer of precision metal spun and deep drawn parts, to produce a custom, 450-ton hydraulic deep draw press. Scheduled for completion in August 2017, the machine will expand Columbia Metal Spinning’s large-diameter draw forming capabilities and supplement its existing 250-ton hydraulic press.

The press will feature a 54-in. by 54-in. forming area. Using a proportional control valve for dynamic control through four different travel zones, the bed cushion applies the resistance necessary to draw the blank material around the tool with ease to help reduce wrinkling and optimize material flow, says the manufacturer. The Missouri-based press manufacturer will develop an intuitive controls system that operates in both manual and semiautomatic modes. Using dual linear and pressure transducers for position and pressure feedback, operators will be able to store and recall part recipes.

The press structure will be designed to the Infinite Life classification using Finite Element Analysis software. The computer-aided simulation, which mirrors real-world manufacturing stresses, ensures the press is robust enough to handle the most taxing applications. Additionally, Beckwood’s proprietary PressLink^TM Connect Module will be included to offer fast, complimentary support and troubleshooting and facilitate program updates without the need for an on-site service visit.