The Quintus model QFC 1.2×4-1000 is reported to ensure close-tolerance parts direct from the press, making it especially suitable for intricately shaped components. (Image courtesy Quintus Technologies)
The Piper Aircraft subsidiary is on track to becoming a North American fluid cell forming center of excellence.
VÄSTERÅS, Sweden—Piper Industrial Manufacturing Company (PIMCO) provides turnkey manufacturing services, supported by precision engineering services that accelerate the production path from concept to scale. The Piper Aircraft subsidiary recently ordered an additional Flexform™ fluid cell press from Quintus Technologies, expanding its equipment inventory to mirror the growing demand for low-volume, high-complexity sheet metal forming, according to a release from Quintus Technologies.
PIMCO selected the Quintus model QFC 1.2×4-1000 press to add to its cutting-edge equipment line-up, which already includes two Quintus fluid cell presses installed earlier in the decade, along with laser cutters, 3D-printers, and CNC milling machines. The press is scheduled to be delivered to PIMCO in the fourth quarter of 2025, the release stated.
“Quintus has proven to be a top-tier machine manufacturer,” said PIMCO Senior Manager- Integration John Bowman, in the release. “Piper Aircraft and PIMCO anticipate that the aerospace, defense, and consumer and architectural products markets will grow over the coming years. Our investment in this new press doubles our capability to support the market, enabling us to form much larger parts. This is just one more step to achieving our vision of becoming the leader in sheet metal manufacturing.”
Flexform™, Quintus’s advanced fluid cell technology, has long offered multiple 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 parts production. The high forming pressure ensures close-tolerance parts direct from the press, with little or no secondary hand work required, making it especially suitable for intricately shaped components, according to Quintus.
“The Quintus machines have almost completely eliminated hand correction at our facility,” said PIMCO Business Development Manager Kevan Chisholm, in the release.
The QFC model 1.2×4-1000 generates a press force of 73,000 tons across the entire forming area of 47.2 inches x 157.5 inches (1200 mm x 4000 mm), a technical challenge handled by the Quintus wire-winding pre-stress technology. The 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, according to the release.
PIMCO will continue its participation in the industry’s best-in-class Quintus® Care Program, a customized service that is said to ensure operational reliability, maximum performance, controlled annual costs, and long-term partnership. The program provides for forming process and tool design support, access to the company’s Application Centers, high availability of spare and wear parts, and guaranteed and prioritized technical support. It also includes annual press inspections, training, and recertification of PIMCO personnel to maintain and elevate their skills, the release stated.
“Quintus Flexform machines and Quintus Care provide the tools I need to deliver accurate and timely project outcomes,” said Chisholm.
Bowman called Quintus “the recognized global leader in fluid cell forming.”
“Their machines are robust and the customer service is world class. We will subscribe to Quintus Care for as long as it is offered,” he said in the release.
Quintus Technologies designs, manufactures, installs, and supports high pressure systems in three main areas: densification of advanced materials; sheet metal forming; and high-pressure processing for food and beverage innovation, safety, and shelf life. Quintus stated that it has delivered more than 1,900 systems to customers within industries such as energy, medical implants, space, aerospace, automotive, and food processing.
PIMCO offers a wide range of precision engineering services for a broad spectrum of industries, from aerospace to automotive. Its facility in Vero Beach, Florida, houses an extensive equipment inventory and offers end-to-end manufacturing services from a single location. The company’s services include sheet metal fabrication, additive manufacturing (3-D printing), welding, CNC machining, metal stretching, and more.
“It is deeply gratifying to see our long and productive business relationship with Piper Aircraft continue with PIMCO,” said Quintus Technologies General Manager-Americas Ed Williams, in the release. “This dynamic young company brings the strength of the Piper legacy to a broad and diverse range of industries, and we are pleased that Quintus equipment will play a significant role in this new venture.”