GENERAL NEWS
New deep draw press for Aeroforma Technologies
The addition of a new hydroform deep draw press from Quintus Technologies brings increased capacity , flexibility , and production efficiencies to aerospace parts manufacturer , Aeroforma Technologies .
Installed in the Aeroforma Technologies facility in Cheltenham , United Kingdom , the Quintus model QFM 1.1-800 Deep Draw Press uses hydraulic pressure up to 11,600psi to form parts in a variety of shapes , thicknesses and tough materials , achieving tight tolerances with minimal thinning . Proprietary flexible forming technology enables the press to perform four forming operations in a single machine . In addition to block tool forming , cavity tool forming and expansion forming , the Quintus press is also equipped with a movable punch forming system for the deep drawing of intricate shapes .
Aeroforma Technologies is a supplier of high-quality fabricated metal components to the aerospace industry . Installation of the QFM 1.1-800 represents its commitment to customers by bringing core processes under one roof to reduce lead times , streamline logistics and increase competitiveness .
“ Our strategy of providing a vertically integrated sourcing solution — from raw material procurement through to forming , welding , surface treatment and assembly — is one which our customer base is finding increasingly attractive ,” said Antoni Kwiatkowski , Group Managing Director , Aeroforma Technologies . “ Key to that strategy is ensuring the latest machinery , along with extensive industry knowledge and experience . With its hydroforming envelope and depth of draw , the Quintus press helps ensure that we remain ahead of the pack .”
The Quintus Flexform™ process utilises a combination of a single rigid tool half , operating in conjunction with a flexible rubber diaphragm subjected to high hydraulic pressure , to form sheet metal parts with accuracy and repeatability . This process produces parts , in
The Quintus Technologies hydroform press .
complex shapes and tough alloys , and at tight tolerances . It is also designed to generate significant tool and process cost savings , of particular value where intricately shaped components are required in low to moderate volumes .
The QFM 1.1-800 is equipped with two forming stations , one of which is the deep draw , offering a maximum blank diameter of 43.1 inches ( 1095mm ) and maximum draw depth of 10 inches ( 254mm ). The second forming station is tailor-made to accommodate block tool , cavity tool and expansion tool forming .
“ Our Flexform technology is ideal for aerospace engine components , including deep drawn parts , in highstrength , heat-resistant materials ,” said Jan Söderström , CEO of Quintus Technologies .
Aeroforma Technologies has supplemented its press purchase with a long-term Quintus ® Care Programme for press operation and equipment maintenance . n
Ola to build ‘ world ’ s largest two-wheeler factory ’
India-headquartered Ola is racing ahead to build the ‘ world ’ s largest two-wheeler factory ’ on a 500-acre site . Ola ’ s megafactory for two-wheelers is being built at record-breaking speed in Tamil Nadu , India , with an estimated more than 10 million manhours . The company plans to operationalise its Phase 1 in the coming months and roll out the Ola electric scooter soon .
The company announced a Rs 2400 crore MoU with the Tamil Nadu government in December 2020 and rapidly completed land acquisition in January this year . The company is racing ahead to operationalise its factory in the next few months . Through this entire process , Ola is maintaining its strong focus on sustainability . The company has ensured the conservation of the green belt in the area
New factory concept for Ola . by preserving and transplanting the trees on site . Ola plans to have a large forest area within the site and re-use the excavated soil and rocks within the factory .
Ola ’ s mega-factory will have an initial capacity of 2M units a year in phase 1 and will serve as the company ’ s global manufacturing hub for its range of electricpowered scooters and two-wheelers across India and international markets including Europe , UK , Latin America , Asia Pacific , Australia and New Zealand .
Expected to create 10,000 jobs , the factory will incorporate Industry 4.0 principles , and will be powered by Ola ’ s own proprietary AI Engine and tech stack that will be deeply integrated into all its systems ‘ continuously self-learning and optimising every aspect of the manufacturing process ’.
The factory is also expected to be the country ’ s most automated , with about 5,000 robots and automated guided vehicles in use once it is operational to its full capacity . It has already brought on board global partners and suppliers as it works towards getting its factory , billed to be the world ’ s largest scooter factory , operational in the coming months . For example , Ola will utilise ABB ’ s automation solutions in its factory ’ s key manufacturing process lines , including its painting and welding lines , while the ABB robots will be deployed extensively for the battery and motor assembly lines .
Ola is close to launching the first in its range of electric scooters . It has already won several prestigious design and innovation awards including the IHS Markit Innovation award at CES and the German Design Award .
Ola is India ’ s largest mobility platform and one of the world ’ s largest ride-hailing companies . The Ola app offers mobility solutions by connecting customers to drivers and a wide range of vehicles across bikes , auto-rickshaws , metered taxis and cabs . Ola ’ s mobility offering in India is supplemented by its electric-vehicle arm , Ola Electric , and its fleet management business , Ola Fleet Technologies . Ola also extends its consumer offerings such as micro-insurance and credit-led payments through Ola Financial Services and a range of owned food brands with India ’ s largest network of cloud kitchens through Ola Foods . n
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8 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR April 2021